Internal and external rotation

Internal rotation and external rotation are terms used to describe the movement of body parts. Internal rotation refers to the movement in which a body part rotates inwards, while external rotation refers to the movement in which a body part rotates outwards.

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 physiotherapists, to communicate more accurately about the mobility of a body part. As a patient, you do not need to be familiar with these terms; however, they can help you better understand a medical report.