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Anteflexion: Anatomical Definition, Joint Examples, and Clinical Relevance

Anteflexion (Latin ante = before/forward, flexio = bending) is forward bending or tilting of a body part in the sagittal plane, decreasing the angle between ventral surfaces.

Joint-Specific Anteflexion

Anteflexion vs. Hyperextension

Anteflexion: Forward bending (ventral approximation).
Hyperextension: Backward bending beyond neutral (dorsal approximation) — e.g., knee >0°, cervical extension >75°.

Pathologic Anteflexion

Fixed flexion contracture (stroke, cerebral palsy, burn contracture, prolonged immobilization).
Anteflexed uterus with adhesions (Asherman) or endometriosis → dysmenorrhea, infertility.
Anterior pelvic tilt → lumbar facet overload, hamstring strain.

Therapeutic Use

Yoga: Uttanasana (standing forward fold), Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend) — controlled spinal/hip anteflexion.
PT: Stretching hip flexors, strengthening glutes/abs to correct anterior pelvic tilt.
Neurodevelopmental: Facilitate flexion patterns in extensor-tone infants.

Ant Bites - Related Articles

Joint	Anteflexion Movement	Normal Range	Clinical Notes
Cervical (C0–C1)	Chin to chest (head nod)	40–60°	Excessive = "text neck"; loss = ankylosing spondylitis, DISH
Shoulder (Glenohumeral)	Arm forward/upward	180° (with scapular motion)	Limited in adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tear
Elbow	Forearm toward arm	140–150°	Flexion contracture if limited extension
Hip	Thigh toward abdomen	120–130° (knee flexed)	Thomas test for fixed flexion deformity
Knee	Lower leg toward thigh	130–140°	Limited by effusion, OA, meniscal tear
Lumbar Spine	Forward bending (touch toes)	40–60°	Increased = hyperlordosis compensation; decreased = stenosis, fusion
Pelvis	Anterior pelvic tilt (ASIS forward/down)	~10–15° (anatomic)	Excessive = "swayback," lumbar strain; associated with hip flexor tightness
Uterus	Fundus bent forward on cervix	Anteflexed + anteverted = normal (75%)	Retroflexed = backward; may cause dysmenorrhea, UTI risk