Hip ROM Guide

Hip Abduction Range of Motion Measurement Guide

HipAbductionFrontal planeCustom in appUpdated 2026-09-27

Measurement Snapshot

MovementAbduction
PlaneFrontal plane
Primary MusclesGluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae

There is no single value that establishes normality for every person or method. Record the setup and compare measurements in clinical context.

Hip abduction ROM is relevant to gait stability, gluteal function, and post-arthroplasty precautions. Interpret alongside strength testing and side-to-side comparison.

Standardized Setup

Patient Position
Place the patient supine with legs extended and the pelvis square before the measured leg is moved outward in the frontal plane.
Stabilization
Stabilize the pelvis to prevent lateral tilt or trunk side bend from adding apparent abduction.
Landmarks
Use the anterior superior iliac spine as the reference axis, a line between both ASIS points as the stationary reference, and the anterior femur toward the patella as the moving reference.

Step-by-Step Measurement

  1. Calibrate the neutral supine start with the leg in line with the trunk.
  2. Move the leg outward in the frontal plane while keeping the pelvis level.
  3. Stop at the first lateral pelvic tilt or at the true hip end range.
  4. Record the value with active or passive status.

Common Measurement Errors

  • Lateral pelvic tilt that inflates the abduction value.
  • Hip external rotation that lets the leg travel farther than true abduction.
  • Failing to keep the opposite leg neutral and stabilized.

Custom Cobb Angle Pro Workflow

The app does not provide a named protocol for this movement. Use Custom as the body part, choose the movement, and apply your own clinical measurement method.

  1. In Range of Motion, choose Custom as the body part, then Abduction as the movement. The app does not provide a named Hip Abduction protocol.
  2. Choose Photo, Camera, or Phone Sensor and use your own measurement setup. Custom measurements have generic in-app guidance rather than a reviewed movement-specific protocol.
  3. Record Hip Abduction, side, position, and method in the case label or notes so the saved Custom measurement can be interpreted later.

References

  1. Norkin CC, White DJ. Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry. 5th ed. F.A. Davis Company; 2016.
  2. Roaas A, Andersson GB. Normal range of motion of the hip, knee and ankle joints in male subjects. Acta Orthop Scand. 1982;53(2):205-208.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should hip abduction measurements be interpreted?

Record the measured value with the side, patient position, method, and active or passive status. Compare repeat measurements made the same way and interpret them with the full clinical context; one value alone cannot establish normality or a diagnosis.

How do you stop the pelvis from adding to hip abduction?

Keep the pelvis square and stop the measurement at the first lateral pelvic tilt so the value reflects hip motion rather than trunk side bend.

Why can external rotation exaggerate hip abduction?

If the hip rotates outward, the leg can travel farther in a path that is not pure frontal-plane abduction. Keep the patella facing upward to keep the movement clean.