lead - pipe rigidity
Last reviewed 01/2018
Lead-pipe rigidity is the term used to describe the hypertonicity felt in a parkinsonian limb throughout the range of movements of a joint. It is indicative of increased tone in all the sets of muscles around a joint. Lead-pipe rigidity, as with other forms of parkinsonian rigidity, may be more pronounced on one side.
Lead-pipe rigidity persists throughout the range of movement of a particular joint, as distinct from clasp knife rigidity which varies.