Circumduction

Circumduction is a circular or conical movement of a limb, produced by a combination of flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction around a joint. In this movement, the distal end of the limb traces a circular path while the proximal end remains relatively fixed at the joint, although some movement of the proximal segment may occur depending on body position and fixation.

The effect of circumduction is that a point at the end of the limb describes a cone-shaped trajectory with the joint at the apex. This is achieved through the coordinated action of multiple angular movements across different planes, typically at joints capable of multi-axial motion. Circumduction is not a single joint movement in isolation but a composite of several movements around a limb segment.

Joints commonly capable of circumduction include the shoulder (glenohumeral joint) and the hip (acetabulofemoral joint), where the ball-and-socket architecture permits extensive planar movements. In contrast, hinge joints such as the elbow or knee do not perform true circumduction due to their restricted range of motion in only two planes.

Clinical relevance includes assessment of joint function, range of motion, and neuromuscular coordination. Limited or excessive circumduction can indicate joint contractures, muscle imbalances, or neurological impairment. Understanding circumduction aids in evaluating mobility and planning rehabilitation or athletic training.