Reliability of Goniometric Measurements of Flexion in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients: with Special Reference to the Body Position

Abstract

Abstract. [Purpose] To compare the reliability of goniometric measurements of knee flexion obtained in three different body positions of patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA).[Subjects] The knees (151) of 92 TKA patients were the subjects of this study.[Methods] The range of flexion was measured at three instances: preoperatively, postoperative fifth day and at the time of discharge by universal goniometer measurement with the patient positioned in the supine, prone and sitting positions.[Results] There were no significant differences between the range of motion measurements in the three testing positions at the three instances. Also, the results from the three different testing positions were highly correlated (r>0.80).[Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that the position of the patient during the evaluation of range of knee flexion does not affect the results and that the three different body positions can be used interchangeably.

Effects of Tourniquet Pressure on Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

“…Knee fl exion ROM is often used as the primary outcome measure, evaluating short-term effectiveness (measured at discharge; Unver et al, 2009). In addition, discharge from hospital is dependent on the mobility of patients following TKA.…”

“…It has been shown to be a reliable, valid, responsive, and acceptable outcome measure (Kessler & Käfer, 2007). The goniometric measurement of knee ROM is often used as the primary outcome measure, evaluating short-term and long-term effectiveness of TKA (Unver, Karatosun, & Bakirhan, 2009). It has been shown to be a reliable and valid outcome measure (Naylor et al, 2011;Unver et al, 2009 ).…”

“…The goniometric measurement of knee ROM is often used as the primary outcome measure, evaluating short-term and long-term effectiveness of TKA (Unver, Karatosun, & Bakirhan, 2009). It has been shown to be a reliable and valid outcome measure (Naylor et al, 2011;Unver et al, 2009 ). The active ROM was measured using a full-circle manual goniometer made of fl exible clear plastic with arms 30 cm in length.…”

“…The active ROM was measured using a full-circle manual goniometer made of fl exible clear plastic with arms 30 cm in length. The patient was placed in the prone positions ( Unver et al, 2009 ). In addition to length of hospital stay, the dates of ability to perform straight leg raise actively and to reach 70 ° of knee fl exion were recorded.…”

The influence of lateral knee X-ray positioning on the accuracy of full extension level measurements: an in vitro study

“…For several authors, goniometry during the physical examination is the routine technique [8][9][10].…”