Goniometry is important to objectively measure the range of motion of a given patient. This information will help guide clinical decision making and help the clinician develop the most effective plan of care. However, sometimes it can be difficult to assess range of motion due to many different factors, especially not being able to accurately locate specific anatomical landmarks to place the stationary arm, movement arm, and axis.
We may need some additional tools to help us appreciate these anatomical landmarks easier to allow for more accurate goniometric readings. That’s why there are specific products available to further assist clinicians to obtain accurate and repeatable measurements.
Baseline® Plastic Absolute+Axis® Goniometer – 360 Degree Head – 12-inch Arms:
Baseline® Plastic Absolute+Axis® Goniometer – 360 Degree Head – 12-inch Arms has an integrated Absolute+Axis® at the end of one arm. The Absolute+Axis® (AA) goniometer establishes a “true” vertical or horizontal to the start point of a measurement. Many goniometric measurements require one arm of the goniometer to be positioned either horizontally or vertically. The other arm is then lined-up with the patient’s body part. Until now, the practitioner had to “assume” or “eyeball” the vertical or horizontal position. This interpolation is often incorrect and introduces measurement error. The Absolute+Axis® goniometer removes measurement variability and allows the practitioner to concentrate on correct placement of the other goniometer arm and the patient’s body position. Some measurements with the AA goniometer are designed to improve shoulder and hip rotation (internal, external); cervical flexion, extension, rotation, and side bending; hamstring flexibility; and active ROM.
Baseline® XTender® Hi-Res® 360° ISOM Goniometer:
The XTender® Hi-Res® 360° ISOM Goniometer measures the axis and range of motion of either large or small joints. The head can move 360 degrees and has three easy-to-read scales. The primary scale, which is found in the white ring of the head, reads in 1° increments. The stainless-steel arms screw into the goniometer easily and can extend from 12.5″ to 33″ for larger measurements.
To learn more about these Baseline® Goniometers, click here.
Article Written By Eric Trauber, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, FAAOMPT