Limb And Joint Girth Measurements

Question 1

What is the purpose of the technique? What are you measuring? Why?

Answer 1

Used to assess the changes in body dimensions over time.
Measuring the circumference at different anatomical sites on the body.
Could me used to monitor swelling or body size for example.

Question 2

How do you know whether the measurement is normal?

Answer 2

Compare it to unaffected side or previous measurements.

Question 3

What principles are used in carrying out this technique?

Answer 3

Identification of bony landmarks:
- so each test is repeatable

Accuracy of use of measurement tools:
- tape measure should lie flat, not stretched or loose
- tape measure needs to be straight
- measure consistently (top/bottom of tape, inches/cm)
- measure 3 times and take average

Standardising starting positions:
- muscle needs to be relaxed

Question 4

What structures/processes are being assessed

Answer 4

Circumference of limbs
Used for documenting muscle bulk/body fat/ swelling

Question 5

How would you measure thigh girth?

Answer 5

1. Patient half-lying, well supported. Knee extended at thigh and muscles relaxed.
2. Mark 3 points 6,8,10inches or 15,20,25cm above distal end of tibial tuberosity
3. Encircle limb with tape measure at each point and record the circumferential measurements (repeat x3 and get average)
4. Repeat procedure on other limb

Question 6

How do you measure calf girth?

Answer 6

1. Patient half-lying, well supported. Knee extended at thigh and muscles relaxed.
2. Mark 2 or 3 (depending on size) points - 2,4,6 inches or 5,10,15cm below distal end of tibial tuberosity.
3. Encircle limb with tape measure at each point and record the circumferential measurements (x3 take average)
4. Repeat on other limb

Question 7

How do you measure upper limb girth?

Answer 7

1. Patient sat in a relaxed position, muscles relaxed
2. Mark out points at 4cm intervals from a fixed point (?) on the olecranon process. Consider length of arm and swelling, may need to measure forearm too.
3. Encircle limb with a tape measure at each point and record circumferential measurements x3 and take average
4. repeat on other limb

Question 8

Contraindications

Answer 8

No absolute contraindications

Question 9

Precautions

Answer 9

• Pain
• Recent soft tissue injury
• infections
• open wounds
  Precautions you would have to consider to modify your handling/positioning of patient

Question 10

How do you measure joint girth?

Answer 10

1. Patient in comfortable position with joint in neutral and muscles relaxed. Make sure to document position in notes
2. Take a circumferential measurement around the joint line (mark key points around the joint line)
3. Repeat 3x and take average