Circumduction – The movement of a limb in a circular pattern

(Pronounced ser-kum-duhk-shn)

Note: In the context of joint movement, circumduction is the angular movement that blends the motions of flexion, abduction, extension and adduction to create a conical motion.

There are two mnemonics that can be used to remember what circumduction means:

Circumduction starts with the exact same letters as circle.

Circumduction - circle

The other way of remembering what circumduction is:

Circumnavigate the world with me, Phileas Fogg, it will be an introduction (circumduction) to things you've never seen before. We have 80 days to circle the world.

Circumduction of the Shoulders

Because we can move straight arms in a circular motion we know that the shoulder joint is capable of circumduction.

Circumduction of the Hip Joint

Because we can move straight legs in a circular motion we know that the hip joint is capable of circumduction.

Circumduction of the Finger

Because of the ball and socket joint at the bottom of the finger you can draw a circle in the air with each finger. Fingers are therefore capable of circumduction.

Circumduction of the Top Half of Your Body

Circumduction of the body occurs through the joints in the spine. Keeping your face pointing forwards and not moving your legs, you can circle your head around the midline of your body.