Circumduction

Definition

Circumduction is the conical, circular movement of a limb around a fixed joint, combining flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction in sequence. It occurs at ball-and-socket and some condylar joints.

Examples

• Shoulder: swinging the arm in a large circle
• Hip: hip circle movements
• Wrist, ankle, and fingers to a lesser degree

Clinical Applications

Assessed during range-of-motion (ROM) evaluations. Included in passive and active ROM exercises to maintain joint mobility in immobile or post-operative patients.

Nursing Interventions

Perform ROM exercises at least twice daily for immobile patients to prevent contractures. Assess for pain, crepitus, or limited range during movement. Document joint degrees and compare bilaterally.

NCLEX Relevance

Recognize circumduction as a ROM term. Common in musculoskeletal and mobility assessment content.