Fryette laws

Notes

Notes

Introduction to OMM

Introduction to OMM

Fryette laws

These laws were specifically written only about the thoracic and lumbar spine. These laws mostly hold true for the cervical spine as well, although there are a few exceptions as noted on the Diagnosing cervical somatic dysfunction learn page.
LAW #1
When the spine is in a neutral position, side bending and rotation occur in opposite directions. For example, if a person were to side bend their lumbar spine to the left, the bodies of the L1–L5 vertebrae would rotate to the right. Law #1 typically applies to a group of vertebrae. An example of a “type 1 somatic dysfunction” is L1–L3 N SR RL.
LAW #2
When the spine is in a nonneutral position (either flexed or extended), side bending and rotation occur in the same direction. For example, if a person were to rotate to the left at T2 in a flexed or extended position, T2 would also side bend to the left. Law #2 typically applies to a single vertebra. An example of a “type 2 somatic dysfunction” is T9 E SR RR.
LAW #3
Initiating movement at a vertebral segment in one plane of motion will limit the mobility of the segment in the other two planes of motion. For example, side bending to the left will limit the ability to rotate and flex / extend. 

Summary

The Fryette laws are a set of three laws regarding skeletal anatomy that guide osteopathic medicine practitioners to identify various dysfunctions in the axial skeleton. These laws are named after Harrison Fryette, D.O, an osteopathic practitioner who established them.

The first law states that when the spine is in a neutral position, side bending to one side is accompanied by rotation on the opposite side. The second law states that when the spine is in a non neutral position, such as flexed or extended position, side bending to one side is accompanied by rotation on the same side. The third law states that if motion is initiated at a vertebral segment in one plane, it will limit the mobility of the segment in the other two planes.

Elsevier

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier, its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

Cookies are used by this site.

USMLE® is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). COMLEX-USA® is a registered trademark of The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, Inc. NCLEX-RN® is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. Test names and other trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are endorsed by nor affiliated with Osmosis or this website.

RELX