Limb Length/Girth/Volume Measurement

PHT 1261C Tests and MeasurementsDr. Kane

Definition – anthropometry

◦ What is it?

◦ Why is it important?

Anthropometric Measurements

What do we measure?

Edema Localized swelling Joint effusion Muscular changes Asymmetry of body parts Effects of surgical procedures

What to measure?

Aids clinician in determining pt.'s impairments to provide the appropriate treatment

Provides baseline data information to monitor progress and outcomes

Provides feedback & motivation for patients Aids in designing equipment and materials

for special populations Provides info in design of objects and

spaces used by normal population

Why measure?

Tape Measure Steel Tape Volumeter Anthropometer Calipers Perometry – infrared laser Bioimpedence

What to measure with?

Measurement Tools

Using the Tape Measure Measure in cm Place the tape measure flat on the body The tape measure should be stretched out

and not slack If the segment to be measured is irregular

or conical in shape, the proximal part of the tape should be flat

When measuring circumference, surround the body part without undue constricting pressure

Indications◦ Upper Extremity

Arm Forearm

◦ Lower Extremity Thigh/Femur Leg

Limb Length Measurement

Indications Upper Extremity

◦ Arm◦ Forearm

Lower Extremity◦ Thigh◦ Leg

Other areas◦ Hands, feet, waist, hips, head

Girth Measurements

Indications True (anatomical) vs. Apparent (functional)

◦ A difference of 1.0 to 1.5 cm is still considered normal but may be symptomatic

◦ Valid & Reliable◦ Sources of error – muscle bulk, clothing, palpation

Leg Length Measurement

True Leg Length◦ ASIS◦ Medial Malleolus◦ Lateral Malleolus

Specific location of difference◦ ASIS to greater trochanter – hip valgus/varus◦ Greater trochanter to lateral joint line – femur◦ Medial joint line of knee to medial malleolus –

tibia Interpreting results

Leg Length Measurement

Apparent Leg Length◦ Indications◦ Landmarks:

Umbilicus Medial Malleolus

◦ Interpretation

Leg Length Measurement

True vs. Apparent Leg Length

Common True LLD Etiologies

Common etiologies of true leg length discrepancies:• Idiopathic developmental abnormality• Fracture• Trauma to epiphyseal plate • Legg-Calve Perthes Disease• Malignancies• Infections

Common etiologies of apparent leg length discrepancies:

• Soft tissue shortening• Joint contractures• Ligamentous laxity• Foot mechanics• LBP• Scoliosis

Indirect Method of Measuring Leg Length

- done through palpation of bony landmarks such as the ASIS or the iliac crest- use of blocks of given thickness