Hinge joint

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

• interphalangeal joints of the hand and foot
• elbow joint between the humerus and ulnar

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