Leg Length Measurements Flashcards
What is the purpose of the technique i.e. what are you measuring and why?
To screen for certain conditions:
1° = coxa vara and malunion of a fracture of the shaft of the femur
2°= abduction deformity of the hip joint and lumbar scoliosis
How do you know whether the measurement is normal?
Compare measurement to contralateral side where appropriate, or normative data
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 ( supine with hips aligned)
3) Use a tape measure to measure from medial malleolus to a) xiphisternum, b) ASIS & c) greater trochanter
4) Take each measurement 3 times and work out the average
5) The proximal end of the
tape measure should be placed distal to the bony landmark,
6) The distal end of the tape is held in an inferior pincer grip so that the index finger can be placed immediately distal to the medial malleolus and the reading can be read against the thumbnail
7) Check patient for adverse affects
What structures/processes are being assessed?
Leg length - looking for any major discrepencies
Precautions / Contraindications
Pain
Skin conditions
Are you feeling well in yourself today?
Are you experiencing any pain in this area?
Do you have any skin conditions or open wounds I should be aware of?
What are the primary conditions that can be screened for using this technique?
Coxa vara and malunion of a fracture of the shaft of the femur
What are the secondary conditions that can be screened for using this technique?
Abduction deformity of the hip joint and lumbar scoliosis
What is recorded in documentation?
Date, Time, Patient name
Explanation of procedure & gaining informed consent
Accurate description of where you measured two and from, values from 3 measurements on both limbs
Does it indicate an issue?
Adverse affects?
Sign
