Which of the following describes the close-packed position of the hip joint, in which the ligaments are maximally taut and the joint surfaces are most congruent?

• A Flexion, abduction and external rotation
• B Extension, slight abduction and medial (internal) rotation ✓
• C Flexion, adduction and lateral rotation
• D Neutral extension with no rotation

Explanation

In full extension combined with a few degrees of abduction and internal rotation, all three capsular ligaments of the hip, especially the iliofemoral ligament, become twisted and taut, pulling the femoral head firmly into the acetabulum. This is why standing quietly requires minimal muscular effort. Flexion with external rotation instead unwinds the capsule and corresponds to the loose-packed position used for joint mobilization techniques.

Reference: Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.