Internal rotation and external rotation

Turning inward and outward},{

"Internal rotation" and "external rotation" are terms used to describe the movement of body parts. "Internal rotation" is the movement in which a body part rotates inward. "External rotation" is the movement in which a body part rotates outward.

Example

Internal rotation of the hip occurs when the knee rotates inward. External rotation occurs when the knee rotates outward, for example when kicking a ball with the inside of the foot.

These terms are mainly used by (para-)medical professionals, such as doctors and physical therapists, to communicate more precisely about the mobility of a body part. As a patient, you do not need to be familiar with these terms, but they can help you better understand a medical report.

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