limb & girth measuring

Question 1

how to perform - girth

Answer 1

position half lying, muscle is relaxed, mark 3 points (every 5cm) above bony point, encircle limb with tape measure at each point x3 times, repeat on other limb, document
thigh - 15, 20, 25cm above distal tibial tuberosity
calf - 5, 10, 15cm below distal tibial tuberosity
UL - 4cm points from olecranon
joints - find & mark joint line, measure around

Question 2

limb length

Answer 2

position supine, palpate ASIS’s to determine if pelvis is set square with both limbs, correct alignment/stretch both legs so they’re equal
LL: medial malleolus > greater trochanter, ASIS, Xiphisternum

Question 3

precautions

Answer 3

Dislocations, fractures, muscle ligament tears, pain levels, post injury, subluxations

Question 4

purpose

Answer 4

To determine an abnormalities and or discrepancies between the limbs, monitor changes in body dimension over time and any changes in swelling/hypertrophy/atrophy

assess any discrepancies between limb lengths, which will determine a potential treatment/diagnosis

Question 5

how to know if normal

Answer 5

compare to other side

Question 6

principles

Answer 6

muscle must be relaxed, limbs kept parallel
keep tape measure straight, ensure its not stretched, measure from distal > proximal, consistent measuring from above/below mark
3 measurements, x3 times, average
compare sides

Question 7

structures & how?

Answer 7

true leg length - medial mal > ASIS
true shortening - medial mal > greater T, if short measure just to knee
apparent shortening - medial mal > xiphisternum, could be pelvis tilt

by measuring circumference of limb