Goniometry

Overview

Goniometry is the measurement of joints to assess range of motion
It is used to evaluate range of motion and track progress over time
A goniometer is the instrument that is used for this measurement
There are different sizes and kinds of goniometers depending on which joint is being measured
Fun fact: goniometry comes from the Greek words "gonia" (angle) and "metron" (measure)

Goniometer Information

A goniometer has different parts to it
- Body: Is the protractor like part that measures the angles
- Fulcrum: The center point that is placed over the joint
- Stationary arm: Aligns with the fixed body part
- Moving arm: Aligns with the moving body part
The universal goniometer is the most commonly used kind of goniometer
- Comes in a short arm or long arm version
- Short arm is used for smaller joints
  - This kind of goniometer can be used to measure every joint seen in hand therapy
  - There is a subtype of short arm goniometers that are specifically made to measure the fingers
    - They are smaller, have more precise markings, and are flat
- Long arm is used for joints with longer levers such as the hip and knee

Goniometer Placement

Position the targeted joint in a neutral and stable position
Align the goniometer with the appropriate bony landmarks (see website and video links below for bony landmark placement)
If targeting AROM, ask the patient to actively perform the joint movement being measured (such as flexion) and measure the end angle
- AROM of the affected joint/joints is almost always performed as an outcome measure
If targeting PROM, ask the patient to relax the joint and then passively perform the joint movement, hold the position, and use the goniometer to measure the end angle