Goniometry

Question 1

What factors affect ROM?

Answer 1

1. age

2. Gender

Question 2

Define end feels

Answer 2

• the “feel” of what is limiting the available ROM of a joint
• A given end feel may be normal in one joint and abnormal in another
• each joint has a known normal limiting factor

Question 3

What are normal end feels?

Answer 3

1. Capsular- firm, definite stopping point; gives a little with overpressure
2. ligamentous- firm, definite stopping point; gives a little with overpressure
3. Muscular- firm, definite stopping point; gives a little with overpressure
4. Soft tissue approximation- mushy feel
5. Bony block- hard, definite stopping point; NO GIVE with overpressure

Question 4

What are abnormal end feels?

Answer 4

1. Springy- slipped meniscus
2. boggy- edema, inflammation
3. bony block or grating- OA
4. empty- do not get to end range b/c of guarding

Question 5

What is a capsular pattern?

Answer 5

• predictable pattern of percentage loss of ROM when the loss results from tightening of the joint capsule
• it is the sequence of directions in which motion is lost
• each joint has its own capsular pattern

Question 6

What may cause a loss of ROM other than the joint capsule tightening?

Answer 6

• ligamentous adhesions
• internal joint derangement
• extra-articular lesions such as shortened muscles

Question 7

What does positioning do when taking goni measurement?

Answer 7

• standardized
• effects soft tissue tension
• recommended joints place joint in starting position of zero degrees, allow for full ROM, and provide stabilization

Question 8

What is the procedure for taking a goni measurement?

Answer 8

1. positioning
2. stabilization
3. Alignment
4. Record

Question 9

What does stabilization do in goni?

Answer 9

positions help stabilization, but examiner must observe and adapt

Question 10

Why is alignment important in goni?

Answer 10

• to be reliable and objective, procedure must be reproducible
• landmarks and axis locations standardized

Question 11

How do you properly record a goni measurement?

Answer 11

1. side
2. joint
3. direction
4. range
5. type
   EX: R elbow, active flexion 0-135 degrees
   -Starting point may not always be zero

Question 12

Look over end feel worksheet

Answer 12

see notes