Comparison of Close-Packed and Loose-Packed Position of Joints

Joint(s) Close-Packed Position Loose Packed Position

Facet (spine) Extension Midway between flexion and extension
Temporomandibular Clenched teeth Mouth slightly open (freeway space)
Glenohumeral Abduction and lateral rotation 55 abduction, 30 horizontal adduction
Acromioclavicular Arm abducted to 30 Arm resting by side in normal physiological position
Ulnohumeral (elbow) Extension 70 flexion, 10 supination
Radiohumeral Elbow flexed 90, forearm supinated 5
Full extension and supination
Proximal radioulnar 5 supination 70 flexion, 35 supination
Radiocarpal (wrist) Extension with ulnar deviation Neutral with slight ulnar deviation
Carpometacarpal N/A Midway between abduction/adductionand flexion/extension
Metacarpophalangeal Full flexion Slight flexion (fingers)
Metacarpophalangeal Full opposition Slight flexion
(thumb)
Interphalangeal Full extension Slight flexion
Hip Full extension and medial rotation * 30 flexion, 30 abduction and slight
lateral rotation
Knee Full extension and lateral rotation 25 flexion of tibia
Talocrural (ankle) Maximum dorsiflexion 10 plantar flexion, midway between maximum inversion and
eversion
Metatarsophalangeal Full extension Neutral
Interphalangeal Full extension Slight flexion
*Some authors include abduction.
Adapted from Magee, DJ: Orthopedic Physical Assessment, ed 4. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 2002, p 50, with permission.