Evaluation of functional ankle dorsiflexion using subtalar neutral position. A clinical report.

This article presents the use of a specific technique when measuring ankle joint dorsiflexion for the purpose of determining the presence or absence of sufficient motion for ambulation. The importance of locating and maintaining the subtalar joint in the neutral position when applying either measuring or stretching techniques is emphasized. A brief discussion of selected compensatory mechanisms is presented to alert clinicians to symptoms that occur in the lower extremity and that may result from insufficient ankle dorsiflexion.