04-07: Principles of Goniometry Flashcards
Goniometry - Definition
Measurement of ROM (AROM, AAROM, PROM)
Purpose of Goniometry (4)
- Develop baseline for pt function
- Identify hypermobility or hypomobility
- Plan treatment program (POC) related to function
- Show progress during treatment
- Indicate whether treatment needs to be modified
Baseline for pt function
- Identify pt’s existing ROM available for comparison to norm
- Identify norms for that pt vs. standard norms for joint
- Identify pt impairment via Objective measure
Reliability
- Get the same result every time
- Interrater (between individuals)
- Intrarater
Validity
Measures what it is supposed to measure
Parts of goniometer (4)
- Axis
- Stationary Arm
- Moving Arm
- Scale of degrees
Documenting ROM
- Based on 0-180˚
- Has starting point and ending point
- True measurements by comparing both sides
Documentation of “Hyper-“
- Do not use negative numbers
- If moves through zero document “ 5˚-0˚-100˚
Documenting Lack of ROM
“Lacking 20 degrees of knee extension”
Starting point of goniometry
- Anatomical position - minimizes soft tissue restrictions
- Generally 0˚
- Exception: Shoulder IR/ER, Hip IR/ER, Forearm pronation/supination
General principles
- Pt position - comfortable, eliminate guarding
- Clear any restrictive clothing
- Follow standardized procedures for joint to be measured
- Estimate ROM before measuring
Goniometric Alignment
- Axis aligned with axis of joint motion
- Moving arm align with moving body part
- Stationary arm align with stable body part
Sagittal Movement
Goniometer positioned laterally
Frontal Movement
Goniometer positioned anteriorly or posteriorly
Axis
- Intersection of 2 arms
- May shift with motion, so shift goni accordingly
Moving Arm
Align parallel and lateral to long axis of moving body segment
Stationary Arm
Align parallel and lateral to long axis of fitted body segment
Goniometric Procedure
- Position pt
- Demonstrate, perform motion 2-3 times passively
- Stabilize proximal body segment
- Palpate bony landmark to find axis
- Palpate - place stationary arm
- Palpate - place moving arm
- Determine axis of motion (goni between finger and thumb)
- Align goni, take beginning reading
- Have patient perform AROM
- Re-align goni, take reading at end of motiojn
End Feels
Soft - Limited by soft tissue compression
Firm - Slightly springy feel with some “give”
Hard - Bone contacting bone
