Concave Convex Rule/ Kaltenborn's Concave-Convex Rule

 INTRODUCTION                                                                 

Concave-Convex rule was given by Freddy Kaltenborn. It is basically used to determine the appropriate direction of translational glide in order to determine which part of the joint capsule should be mobilised.

The direction in which sliding occurs depends on whether the moving surface is concave or convex.

CONCAVE = Hollowed or rounded inward   

CONVEX = Curved or rounded outward

If the moving part is concave then, the slide/ glide is in SAME direction as the angular movement of the bone.

EXAMPLES:-    

1. TIBIOFEMORAL JOINT:-  The moving part is tibia (concave) on the femoral condyles (convex) so, if anyone is flexing his knee, the tibia moves posteriorly same with the movement.

If the moving part is convex then, the slide/glide is in OPPOSITE direction as the angular movement of the bone.

EXAMPLE                   

1. GLENOHUMERAL JOINT:- In this joint, the moving part is convex humeral head which moves on the glenoid fossa (concave), So according to concave-convex rule, if anyone does abduction then the humeral head will move in opposite direction that is inferiorly to the movement of the arm.

 

2. HIP JOINT:- In this joint, the moving part is convex femoral head which moves on the acetabulum (concave), So according to concave-convex rule, if anyone does flexion or abduction, the movement occurs in upward direction but the motion of moving bone will be inferior.