Post on 23-Feb-2016
description
Limb Length/Girth/Volume Measurement
PHT 1261C Tests and MeasurementsDr. Kane
Definition – anthropometry
◦ What is it?
◦ Why is it important?
Anthropometric Measurements
What do we measure?
Edema Localized swelling Joint effusion Muscular changes Asymmetry of body parts Effects of surgical procedures
What to measure?
Aids clinician in determining pt.'s impairments to provide the appropriate treatment
Provides baseline data information to monitor progress and outcomes
Provides feedback & motivation for patients Aids in designing equipment and materials
for special populations Provides info in design of objects and
spaces used by normal population
Why measure?
Tape Measure Steel Tape Volumeter Anthropometer Calipers Perometry – infrared laser Bioimpedence
What to measure with?
Measurement Tools
Using the Tape Measure Measure in cm Place the tape measure flat on the body The tape measure should be stretched out
and not slack If the segment to be measured is irregular
or conical in shape, the proximal part of the tape should be flat
When measuring circumference, surround the body part without undue constricting pressure
Indications◦ Upper Extremity
Arm Forearm
◦ Lower Extremity Thigh/Femur Leg
Limb Length Measurement
Indications Upper Extremity
◦ Arm◦ Forearm
Lower Extremity◦ Thigh◦ Leg
Other areas◦ Hands, feet, waist, hips, head
Girth Measurements
Indications True (anatomical) vs. Apparent (functional)
◦ A difference of 1.0 to 1.5 cm is still considered normal but may be symptomatic
◦ Valid & Reliable◦ Sources of error – muscle bulk, clothing, palpation
Leg Length Measurement
True Leg Length◦ ASIS◦ Medial Malleolus◦ Lateral Malleolus
Specific location of difference◦ ASIS to greater trochanter – hip valgus/varus◦ Greater trochanter to lateral joint line – femur◦ Medial joint line of knee to medial malleolus –
tibia Interpreting results
Leg Length Measurement
Apparent Leg Length◦ Indications◦ Landmarks:
Umbilicus Medial Malleolus
◦ Interpretation
Leg Length Measurement
True vs. Apparent Leg Length
Common True LLD Etiologies
Common etiologies of true leg length discrepancies:• Idiopathic developmental abnormality• Fracture• Trauma to epiphyseal plate • Legg-Calve Perthes Disease• Malignancies• Infections
Common etiologies of apparent leg length discrepancies:
• Soft tissue shortening• Joint contractures• Ligamentous laxity• Foot mechanics• LBP• Scoliosis
Indirect Method of Measuring Leg Length
- done through palpation of bony landmarks such as the ASIS or the iliac crest- use of blocks of given thickness