Hinge joint

Last revised by Yuranga Weerakkody on 4 Feb 2016

Hinge joints are a type of synovial joint that permit movement in one direction like the hinge on a door. Usually this is achieved by a concave surface articulating with a corresponding convex surface.  

Movements

Hinge joints allow for movement in a single translational plane only. This one degree of freedom is typically in the flexion / extension direction in the human body.

  • flexion / extension
Typical examples
Modified examples

These joints primarily allow for hinge type movement but are modified to allow for some limited motion in other directions. 

  • knee joint: also allows slight rotation
  • ankle joint: also allows abduction / adduction known as eversion / inversion 

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.