Joint girth Measurements Flashcards
What is the purpose of the technique i.e. what are you measuring and why?
Monitor lymphedema
How do you know whether the measurement is normal?
Compare to unaffected opposite
What principles are used in carrying out (application) the technique?
1) Explain procedure & informed consent
2) Ensure patient is safe comfortable and in an appropriate starting position
3) Mark joint line
4) Take a circumferential measurement 3 times & take the average, repeat on unaffected opposite & compare
5) Document position of joint
6) Check for adverse affects
What structures/processes are being assessed?
Synovial joints
Precautions
/ contraindications
Pain
Swelling
Skin conditions
Open wounds
How to mark the elbow joint line:
Mark 1cm below the humerus lateral epicondyle & 2cm below the medial epicondyle
How to mark the knee joint line:
this can be felt below the anterior margins of each femoral condyle and above the anterior margins of each tibial condyle.
The joint line can be felt anteriorly, medially and laterally
How to mark the ankle joint line:
lies in a horizontal line 1 cm above the tip of the medial malleolus and 2 cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus – and palpated on the dorsal surface.
Palpate the inner border of the medial malleolus, lower end of tibia and medial edge of lateral malleolus
How to mark the shoulder joint line:
the midpoint of the joint is approximately 1 cm lateral to the coracoid process. A vertical line, slightly concave laterally, through this point identifies the joint line
How to mark the elbow joint line:
drawing a line 1 cm below the lateral epicondyle and 2 cm below the medial epicondyle.
It can also be felt posteriorly between the head of the radius and the capitulum.
How to mark the wrist joint line:
line drawn between the 2 styloid processes (radial and ulnar) – slightly concave.
