What term describes the movement of joints and joint surfaces?

The term that describes the movement of joints and joint surfaces is arthrokinematics. This refers specifically to the small movements that occur between the articular surfaces of joints during motion, such as gliding, rolling, spinning, and sliding. Understanding arthrokinematics is crucial in fields like physical therapy, rehabilitation, and athletic training as it helps in assessing joint function and diagnosing issues related to joint movement.

In contrast, osteokinematics refers to the gross movements of the bones at the joint, such as flexion and extension. Kinematic chains describe how movements of different body segments are interrelated, either in open or closed kinetic chain scenarios. Biomechanical dynamics involve the forces and motions occurring in the body but do not specifically address the subtle movements between joint surfaces. Focusing on arthrokinematics gives a more precise understanding of joint interactions, which is essential for effective treatment and injury prevention strategies.