goniometry /go·ni·om·e·try/ (go″ne-om´ĕ-tre) the measurement of angles, particularly those of range of motion of a joint.
goniometry
goniometry [go″ne-om´ĕ-tre]
goniometry
[gon′ē·om′ətrē]
Etymology: Gk, gonia, angle, metron, measure
a system for measuring angles during testing for various labyrinthine diseases that affect the sense of balance. One test uses a plank, one end of which may be raised to any desired height. The patient stands on the plank as one end is gradually raised, and the point at which he or she can no longer maintain balance is noted. goniometric, adj.
goniometry [go″ne-om´ĕ-tre]
the measurement of range of motion in a joint. The technique may be used as a diagnostic or therapeutic measure to determine the functional status of a patient with a musculoskeletal or neurological disability. There are a variety of tools and techniques by which joint motion can be measured, but for most clinical purposes the simple universal goniometer is an adequate instrument. The system for recording measurements of range of motion may be somewhat complex or it may be based upon the simple technique of relating the degree of joint motion to a full circle (360 degrees).
In this system of measurement the axis of the goniometer is placed in alignment with the axis of rotation of the joint, and the 0° position of the circle is assigned in terms of one of the bones of the joint in alignment with a point above the head of the patient. In the sagittal plane, which divides the body into right and left halves, motion that rotates the distal member of the joint toward the 0° position is flexion, and motion which rotates it away from the 0° position is extension. In the frontal plane, which divides the body into ventral and dorsal portions, motion toward the 0° position is abduction (that is, toward the midline of the body), and motion away from the 0° position is adduction.
The 360° system for measurement of joint motion is relatively simple and easily understood by members of the health care team. For this reason it is frequently used. It is especially important, however, that all persons using this or any other system for joint measurement communicate with one another and come to a mutual understanding of the terms to be used and the purposes for which goniometry is being utilized.
In this system of measurement the axis of the goniometer is placed in alignment with the axis of rotation of the joint, and the 0° position of the circle is assigned in terms of one of the bones of the joint in alignment with a point above the head of the patient. In the sagittal plane, which divides the body into right and left halves, motion that rotates the distal member of the joint toward the 0° position is flexion, and motion which rotates it away from the 0° position is extension. In the frontal plane, which divides the body into ventral and dorsal portions, motion toward the 0° position is abduction (that is, toward the midline of the body), and motion away from the 0° position is adduction.
The 360° system for measurement of joint motion is relatively simple and easily understood by members of the health care team. For this reason it is frequently used. It is especially important, however, that all persons using this or any other system for joint measurement communicate with one another and come to a mutual understanding of the terms to be used and the purposes for which goniometry is being utilized.
The full-circle or 360° system of goniometry applied to several joints of the body, illustrating the locations of the zero degree (0°) position. From Kottke and Lehmann, 1990.
goniometry
the measurement of range of motion in a joint. The technique may be used as a diagnostic or therapeutic measure to determine the functional status of a patient with a musculoskeletal or neurological disability. There is a variety of tools and techniques by which joint motion can be measured, but for most clinical purposes the simple universal goniometer is an adequate instrument. The system for recording measurements of range of motion may be somewhat complex or it may be based upon the simple technique of relating the degree of joint motion to a full circle (360 degrees).
goniometry
Sports medicine The assessment of joint flexibility, using a large protractor to measure the extreme points in a joint's range of motion. Cf Flexometry.
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