Validity of Goniometric Elbow Measurements: Comparative Study with a Radiographic Method

Abstract

The goniometer is a reasonable and simple clinical tool, but for research protocols, we suggest using the radiographic method because of the higher level of precision required.

Short-term changes in median nerve neural tension after a suboccipital muscle inhibition technique in subjects with cervical whiplash: a randomised controlled trial

“…Nonetheless, SD estimates for elbow range of motion at pain onset during the ULNT-1 in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects has been observed to range from 14 • to 20 • [4]. Furthermore, the potential maximal error for measurement of elbow extension with a universal goniometer is approximately 10 • [21], which means that the clinical relevance of the present results needs to be considered with caution. Although the goniometer is a simple, reliable and commonly used tool in clinical practice, the findings must be interpreted with caution when slight changes are found, due to the variability between subjects, the overlap in range of motion and the amount of measurement error [4].…”

“…A universal goniometer was used, aligned along the mid humeral shaft, medial epicondyle and ulnar styloid. Intra-tester reliability of elbow extension with a goniometer is reported to be high [intra-class correlation coefficient 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95 to 0.99] [21], with a mean difference from a gold standard of 1.1 • (SD 5.1, 95% CI 9.2 to −11.4) and a maximal error of 10.3 • [21].…”

Heterotopic Ossification of the Elbow Treated With Surgical Resection: Risk Factors, Bony Ankylosis, and Complications

“…Elbow contractures secondary to heterotopic ossification and bony ankylosis are uncommon, and thus, large prospective comparative studies are unlikely; even so, we acknowledge that our findings would be strengthened by the use of validated outcomes scores for elbow function, inclusion of pronation-supination ROM, and long-term followup. In addition, the observers (GM, DS) in the study were not blinded and simple goniometers were used for ROM measurements [6], which although cost effective and readily available to most clinicians, may not be the most accurate method for measurement. Future studies should be aimed at identifying treatment algorithms and postoperative regimens that maximize improved functional outcomes, patient safety, and cost.…”

Comparison of Edge Detection Algorithms for Automated Radiographic Measurement of the Carrying Angle

“…This range was chosen based on the approximate error observed in different readings of the carrying angle [36,49]. A percent validity was then obtained through dividing the total number of correct readings by the total number of readings and then multiplying by 100.…”

“…This angle was chosen mainly because of the high precision obtained through radiographic versus goniometric measurements [36] in addition to its good inter-observer reliability [37]. Furthermore, the algorithm was coded in PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), a widely used web scripting language, to allow for ease of access and simpler usage.…”