Test-retest reproducibility of elbow goniometric measurements in a rigid double-blinded protocol: intervals for distinguishing between measurement error and clinical change

Accuracy of a Smartphone Software Application Compared With a Handheld Goniometer for Measuring Shoulder Range of Motion in Asymptomatic Adults

Background

Typically, shoulder range of motion (ROM) measurements are performed in a clinic setting, where physicians, physical therapists (PTs), and occupational therapists make use of a goniometer.

Purpose

To determine the accuracy of a smartphone-based ROM software application (app) in assessing active shoulder ROM and compare the measurements with traditional goniometry as measured by a PT.

Study Design

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

This prospective, nonblinded study was conducted at a single institution with adult asymptomatic participants with full active ROM of both shoulders. Participants were enrolled between June 1 and 15, 2021. Each participant self-assessed their active shoulder ROM using the PeerWell smartphone app. A single PT concurrently measured each participant's active shoulder ROM using a handheld universal goniometer. Bilateral shoulder ROM (forward flexion, abduction [AB], external rotation, internal rotation [IR], and extension) was measured 2 times for each participant. Interrater reliability between the smartphone app and PT measurements as well as intrarater reliability for each method of measurement were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and limits of agreement were analyzed for the difference in measurement methods.

Results

Data were analyzed for 60 shoulders (30 right, 30 left) from 30 participants (mean age, 31.4 ± 11.7 years; 73% female). The interrater reliability between the 2 methods was excellent for all movements (ICCs, 0.90-0.96). For all movements except shoulder AB, the mean difference in the measurements between the 2 methods was <1.3°; the mean difference in AB ROM was 2.08°. For all movements except IR, both PTs and the app showed excellent intrarater reliability (ICCs >0.90); for IR, good intrarater reliability (ICC ≥0.75) was observed.

Conclusion

The PeerWell smartphone app provided measurements comparable with manual measurements taken by a PT using a goniometer. These data provide evidence that the smartphone app is a reliable and valid tool for measuring shoulder ROM and show promise for measuring and monitoring patient ROM remotely.

Comparison of a Smartphone App to Manual Knee Range of Motion Measurements

Background

Digital technology has emerged as a useful tool for preoperative and postoperative patient engagement and for remote patient monitoring. Smartphones are equipped with motion-sensing technology, and apps can be designed which use these features to create a simple method for measuring range of motion. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of digital technology in assessing knee range of motion using a smartphone app, compared to traditional goniometric measurements in an office setting.

Methods

Fifty-three (53) patients in a clinical practice were enrolled between October 2019 and March 2020. Three separate measurements were taken during the patient encounter: (1) the surgeon, (2) the app, and (3) the physical therapist. Intraclass correlations were computed to assess the agreement between (1) the surgeon and app and (2) that between the physical therapist and surgeon.

Results

When measuring flexion, the correlation between either the surgeon or therapist with the app was good, whereas the comparison between the surgeon and therapist was moderate. All extension measurement comparisons, between the app, surgeon, and therapist, showed moderate correlation. Limits of agreements showed that 80% of the difference between surgeon and app is within 10 degrees for extension and 11 degrees for flexion. Body mass index did not affect the accuracy of the measurements.

Conclusion

Digital app measurements were comparable to measurements made by either a surgeon or physical therapist with a manual goniometer in the clinical setting and may be beneficial for measuring and monitoring patients’ range of motion remotely.

LongHest project: A prospective, observational study of extended half-life treatment in the musculoskeletal health of patients with severe haemophilia A

Background

Prophylactic treatment is the gold standard in the treatment of patients with haemophilia. Prophylaxis with extended half‐life (EHL) treatment has shown long‐term safety and efficacy in patients with haemophilia.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of prophylaxis with EHL treatment in the frequency of haemarthrosis and musculoskeletal health in adult patients with severe haemophilia A.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. Forty‐six patients with severe haemophilia A were recruited. The frequency of haemarthrosis (self‐reports), joint condition (Haemophilia Joint Health Score), pain intensity (visual analogue scale), range of motion (goniometry), and strength (dynamometry) and muscle activation (surface electromyography) were evaluated. Three assessments were carried out: at baseline (T0), at 6 months (T1) and at 12 months following treatment (T2).

Results

There were significant changes in the within‐subject effect in the frequency of haemarthrosis in elbow (F(1.05;96.20) = 3.95; P < .001) and knee (F(1.73;157.99) = 9.96; P < .001). Significant within‐subject effect in elbow pain intensity (F(2;182) = 63.51; P < .001) was found. The mean values of the frequency haemarthrosis in elbow (from .66±1.01 to .04±.20) and knees (from .55±.68 to .33±.53) decrease after the period study. The intensity of elbow pain and (from 3.08±1.69 to 2.67±1.73), decrease after the 12‐month follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Prophylaxis with extended half‐life treatment reduces the frequency of haemarthrosis in elbow and knee in adult patients with haemophilia. EHL treatment reduces the intensity of elbow pain in patients with haemophilic arthropathy.

Proximal Ulna Osteotomy for Complex Fractures of the Distal Humerus: A 3-Dimensional Laser Analysis and Comparison With Olecranon Osteotomy

PURPOSE

The current methods of distal humerus (DH) articular surface visualization only allow a limited view of the joint. This study describes an osteotomy procedure that increases the visualization of and access to the DH articular surface for fixation without compromising ligaments.

METHODS

Eighteen fresh-frozen human elbows (9 matched pairs) underwent proximal ulna osteotomy (PUO) or transverse olecranon osteotomy (OO) contralaterally. The visualized articular surface of the DH was demarcated, and the surface areas of the DH, capitellum, and trochlea were measured using 3-dimensional scanning. The angular arc of the articular surface of the capitellum and trochlea was measured using a goniometer.

RESULTS

The 3-dimensional scans showed that 87.6% of the total DH surface area was visualized using PUO versus 65.6% using OO. When the trochlea and capitellum surface areas were separated, 94.0% versus 75.9% of the trochlea and 74.8% versus 44.7% of the capitellum were visualized using PUO and OO, respectively. The goniometric angles demonstrated that 98.2% versus 70.9% of the trochlea and 75.1% versus 43.5% of the capitellum articular surface arc angles were visualized using PUO and OO, respectively. After PUO with further release of the flexor-pronator mass was performed, 100% of the DH articular surface was visualized.

CONCLUSIONS

Proximal ulnar osteotomy improves the visualization of the DH articular surface.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Proximal ulna osteotomy spares ligaments, avoids osteotomizing the greater sigmoid notch, involves more robust metaphyseal bone for potentially better fixation, and may permit DH arthroplasty without compromising primary ligamentous elbow stabilizers. Further clinical studies are needed to assess the utility of this type of osteotomy.

What is the minimum torque required to obtain passive elbow end range of motion?

BACKGROUND

Passive range of motion is a common clinical assessment. The point at which passive end range of motion is measured is typically described by the 'end-feel'of the joint.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the minimum amount of torque required to obtain passive elbow flexion and extension in children?

METHODS

Twenty-five children (age, 7.5 ± 1.6 years-old), who had previously sustained unilateral distal humeral fractures, participated in this prospective study.Passive elbow flexion and extension was measured at least 8 weeks and up to one year out of cast. Motion capture cameras were used to track twenty-one reflective markers placed on subjects and two markers attached to the pad of a force transducer.Five trials of passive range of motion (flexion and extension) were performed on both arms. Elbow joint moments were calculated as products of the forces applied and lengths to the elbow centers. A one way ANOVA was used to determine differences in moments for flexion and extension for both involved and uninvolved limbs. Pairedsamples t-tests were used to determine differences between the involved and the uninvolved limbs for both maximum flexion and extension.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the minimum mean joint moment (2.7 ± 1.1 Nm) at end range of motion. However, differences in passive range of motion was found between involved and uninvolved elbows (flexion p < .001; extension p = .001).

SIGNIFICANCE

The results demonstrate therapists obtained end range of passive elbow flexion and extension applying the same amount of minimum torque. A small torque is sufficient to achieve end range of elbow motion for children. This torque can be used in guiding clinical practice for assessing passive range of elbow motion in pediatric population. Because of a paucity of data for any joint, future research developing force data for other joints should be conducted.

Musculoskeletal Changes in Hemophilia Patients Subsequent to COVID-19 Lockdown

(1) Background. The lockdown period due to the COVID−19 pandemic has drastically decreased levels of physical activity in the population. Hemophilia is characterized by hemarthrosis that leads to chronic, progressive and degenerative joint deterioration. (2) Methods. This observational study recruited 27 patients with hemophilia and arthropathy. Knee, ankle and elbow joints were assessed. The frequency of clinical hemarthrosis, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and joint ROM were evaluated. (3) Results. Following lockdown, a significant deterioration of joint condition, perceived joint pain and range of motion was noted in all joints. There were no changes in the frequency of knee hemarthrosis, while the frequency of ankle hemarthrosis significantly reduced. However, the frequency of elbow hemarthrosis increased. Depending on the degree of hemophilia severity, there were changes in pressure pain threshold in the elbow and in pain intensity and range of motion of the ankle joint. According to the type of treatment, i.e., prophylaxis vs. on-demand treatment, there were differences in the joint condition in elbows and the plantar flexion movement of the ankle. There were no differences in the knee joint based on the severity of the disease, the type of treatment or the development of inhibitors (4). Conclusions. Because of the COVID−19 lockdown, the musculoskeletal status of patients with hemophilia deteriorated. Joint condition, perceived pain, and range of motion were significantly affected. The frequency of clinical hemarthrosis did not increase during this period. A more active therapeutic model could prevent rapid deterioration in patients with hemophilic arthropathy during prolonged sedentary periods.

Smartphone "Selfies"-A reliable and accurate tool for measuring elbow range of motion

BACKGROUND

To determine if self-taken photographs ("selfies"), performed independently after instruction by video or illustrated handout, would be an accurate and reliable tool for capturing elbow range of motion in patients with elbow contractures.

METHODS

Fifty patients presenting with elbow contractures participated in the study. After completion of the selfie, the senior author clinically measured flexion and extension with a goniometer. The angles from the photographs were measured and analyzed.

RESULTS

The agreement between goniometer and "selfie" measurements correlated closely (R² = 0.98) and agreement was excellent in both extension and in flexion with intra-class correlation coefficients of 0.95 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.97) in extension with a mean difference of 2° (95% CI -3° to 7°), and 0.93 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.96) in flexion with a mean difference of 4° (95% CI 0° to 8°). Systematic errors were low in extension, 0° (95% CI, ±11°) and in flexion -3° (95% CI, ±10°). Six patients demonstrated ≥10° difference between clinical and selfie measurements. Ability to take a usable selfie was inversely correlated with age (R² = 0.97).

DISCUSSION

Self-taken flexion-extension photographs are a reliable and accurate tool for measuring elbow range of motion. Errors in the selfie technique are well tolerated and appear to have a negligible effect upon measurements of motion. This important parameter of elbow function can therefore be obtained outside a normal clinic visit, thereby improving frequency of follow-up assessments (and minimizing loss to follow-up) necessary for quality control and research.

Manual therapy reduces the frequency of clinical hemarthrosis and improves range of motion and perceived disability in patients with hemophilic elbow arthropathy. A randomized, single-blind, clinical trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of manual therapy in reducing the frequency of clinical hemarthrosis, increasing range of motion and improving the perception of disability in the upper limbs in patients with hemophilic elbow arthropathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-nine patients were randomized into experimental (N = 35) and control group (N = 34). The outcome measures were: frequency of clinical hemarthrosis, the elbow range of motion and the perception of disability in the upper limbs (DASH questionnaire). The intervention included one 50 min weekly session, for three weeks, of upper limb fascial therapy according to our treatment protocol.

RESULTS

There were differences (p < 0.001) in the repeated measures analysis for frequency of elbow clinical hemarthrosis (F = 20.64) and range of motion in flexion (F = 17.37) and extension (F = 21.71). No differences were found in the overall perceived disability (F = 0.91; p = .37). We found group interaction with the (p < 0.001) in the frequency of elbow clinical hemarthrosis, range of motion and overall perceived disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Manual therapy is safe in patients with hemophilia and elbow arthropathy. Fascial therapy reduces the frequency of hemarthrosis, increases the range of motion and improves the perceived disability in the upper limbs. Trial registration number: id NCT03009591IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONImpairments in the range of motion, pain and disability may occur in patients with hemophilic elbow arthropathy since early age.There is a need to validate safe and effectiveness protocols of rehabilitation to treat these patients.Prophylactic replacement is the most effective treatment for the prevention of hemarthrosis.Physiotherapists need to be trained in the specific management of patients with hemophilia.Manual therapy can be a safe and effective tool in the treatment of hemophilic arthropathy.

Normative values and affecting factors for the elbow range of motion

INTRODUCTION

Abnormalities in the elbow range of motion (ROM) can be subtle; therefore, it is important that the examiner can compare findings with reliable reference values, matching the patients' characteristics. Primarily, we aimed to provide normative values for the elbow ROM in subpopulations based on age, sex, dominance and body mass index (BMI). The secondary objective was to determine intra- and inter-rater reliability.

METHODS

aROM (active range of motion) and pROM (passive range of motion) were measured bilaterally in healthy adults using a universal goniometer. The influence of factors affecting the ROM was calculated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. In two samples of subjects, intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were determined.

RESULTS

The study population (n = 352) consisted of 47.2% male and 52.8% female subjects. For aROM (dominant hand), mean flexion was 146°, extension -2°, pronation 80° and supination 87°. Male subjects had smaller ROM compared to females (p < 0.001). Differences between dominant and nondominant hand were less than one degree. pROMs were 3° to 5° larger than aROMs (p < 0.001). Intra- and inter-rater reliability was good.

CONCLUSIONS

Elbow ROM is influenced by age, sex and BMI. In the general population, the ROM of the uninjured side can serve as a reference in case of an injured elbow.

Universal goniometer and electro-goniometer intra-examiner reliability in measuring the knee range of motion during active knee extension test in patients with chronic low back pain with short hamstring muscle

Background

Both universal goniometer and electro-goniometer are used for measuring joint range of motion in physiotherapy. Active knee extension test is a way to assess hamstring shortness in patients with chronic low back pain. The aim of this study was to assess universal goniometer and electro-goniometer reliability in measuring knee angle during active knee extension test.

Methods

This was an intra-examiner reliability study between three measurements of knee extension angle that conducted on 45 patients with chronic low back pain having short hamstring muscle that referring to Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences clinic from 2016 to 2017. Knee extension angle was measured three times during active knee extension test with both universal goniometer and electro-goniometer.

The measurement of knee extension angle was done at the beginning, middle and the end of one single session by one experienced physiotherapist.

The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurements (SEM) were used to quantify intra-examiner reliability.

Results

For both methods, the reliability test values were found to be greater than 0.7 in the range of 0.92 to 0.99 (CI 95% ranged over = 0.94 to 0.99), which are classified as good reliability. The SEMs ranged from 1.04° to 2.16° for both scales.

Conclusion

Universal goniometer in clinical evaluations of patients (as they are easy to be employed) and electro-goniometer in laboratory studies (as they are more accurate) are reliable.

Validity and Reliability of Elbow Range of Motion Measurements Using Digital Photographs, Movies, and a Goniometry Smartphone Application

INTRODUCTION

Range of motion (ROM) is closely monitored before and after surgery for stiff elbow and during rehabilitation. Measurements in the home environment may be helpful to increase involvement and adherence of the patient. Therefore, our objective is to investigate the validity and inter- and intraobserver reliability of 3 alternative methods to assess the ROM by the patient in a home-based situation, in comparison to the universal goniometer (UG). We hypothesize that all 3 alternative methods will be valid alternatives and show a level of reliability equivalent to UG.

METHODS

Goniometric measurements of elbow flexion, extension, pronation and supination using photography, movie, and a smartphone application were obtained. The validity of these measurement methods was compared to UG. The interobserver and intraobserver reliability were calculated for all measurement methods.

RESULTS

Photography and movie based goniometry of the elbow showed good validity in flexion and extension. The interobserver and intraobserver reliability were found to be good to excellent for photo and movie but moderate to poor for UG and the smartphone application.

CONCLUSIONS

Photo or movie based goniometry seems to be a useful option for initial and follow-up measurement of the elbow ROM, both in the outpatient clinic and in a home environment. Based on our study, the smartphone application we used is not recommended.

Comparative analysis of photograph-based clinical goniometry to standard techniques

BACKGROUND

Assessment of joint range of motion (ROM) is an accepted evaluation of disability as well as an indicator of recovery from musculoskeletal injuries. Many goniometric techniques have been described to measure ROM, with variable validity due to inter-rater reliability. In this report, we assessed the validity of photograph-based goniometry in measurement of ROM and its inter-rater reliability and compared it to two other commonly used techniques.

METHODS

We examined three methods for measuring ROM in the upper extremity: manual goniometry (MG), visual estimations (VE), and photograph-based goniometry (PBG). Eight motions of the upper extremity were measured in 69 participants at an academic medical center.

RESULTS

We found visual estimations and photograph-based goniometry to be clinically valid when tested against manual goniometry (r avg. 0.58, range 0.28 to 0.87). Photograph-based measurements afforded a satisfactory degree of inter-rater reliability (ICC avg. 0.77, range 0.28 to 0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports photograph-based goniometry as the new standard goniometric technique, as it has been clinically validated, is performed with greater consistency and better inter-rater reliability when compared with manual goniometry. It also allows for better documentation of measurements and potential incorporation into medical records in direct contrast to visual estimation.

Inter-rater, intra-rater and inter-instrument reliability of an electrogoniometer to measure wrist range of motion

Introduction

Assessment of the wrist is essential in hand rehabilitation. The flexible electrogoniometer has been used to measure joint range of motion in the wrist, although it has lack of reliability. The objectives of the study were to examine intra- and inter-examiner reliability, as well as inter-device reliability, of wrist range of motion obtained by a flexible electrogoniometer.

Methods

Twenty-four right-handed individuals (12 men and 12 women) took part in the study. Participants were actively and randomly subjected to radial and ulnar deviation, flexion and extension of the right wrist. The motions were measured by both the universal goniometer (CARCI®) and the electrogoniometer (MIOTEC®). Two examiners carried out three series of measurements. One of the examiners performed repeated measurement after seven days. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, standard error of measurement and the Bland-Altman limits of agreement were used for data analysis.

Results

Data showed excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability for all movements with the electrogoniometer (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient > 0.90), except for the inter-examiner analysis of wrist flexion, with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.89. The correlation between the devices was deemed to be satisfactory. Even though the excellent reliability and low standard error of measurement results were presented, Bland-Altman graphs showed some discrepant data.

Conclusion

Based on this sample, we suggest that this electrogoniometer is a reliable device regarding intra- and inter-examiner for clinical application when compared with a universal goniometry for wrist motion.

Accuracy and inter-observer reliability of visual estimation compared to clinical goniometry of the elbow

PURPOSE

To test the hypothesis that visual estimation by a trained observer is as accurate and reliable as clinical goniometry for measuring elbow range of motion.

METHODS

Instrument validity and inter-observer reliability of visual estimation was evaluated on a consecutive series of 50 elbow contractures. Four observers with different levels of elbow experience first estimated extension and flexion of the contracted elbows and then measured them with a blinded goniometer.

RESULTS

Instrument validity for visually-based goniometry was extremely high. ICC scores were 0.97 for both extension and flexion estimations. Systematic error was negligible (1°) with upper limits of agreement being 9° (95% CI: 7°-11°) and 8° (95% CI: 6°-10°), respectively, for extension and flexion. For the expert surgeon, 92% of the visual estimates were within 5° of the value obtained by clinical goniometry. Between experienced observers (elbow surgeon and physician assistant), the ICC's were very high-0.96 for extension and 0.93 for flexion. The systematic errors were low, from -1° to 1° with upper limit of agreement being 11° (95% CI: 8°-14°). However, agreement was poor between an inexperienced study coordinator and the others (ICC's: 0.51-0.38, systematic errors: 8°-18°, upper limit of agreement: 32°-40°). The accuracy of the visual estimations made by the experienced elbow surgeon was as good as the measurements taken with a goniometer by the physician assistant or the clinical fellow and better than those taken by an inexperienced study coordinator.

CONCLUSIONS

The trained human eye is highly capable of accurately estimating the range of motion of the elbow, compared to conventional clinical goniometry, depending on the experience of the observer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic study, Level II.

Validation of a photography-based goniometry method for measuring joint range of motion

BACKGROUND

A critical component of evaluating the outcomes after surgery to restore lost elbow motion is the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow. This study examined if digital photography-based goniometry is as accurate and reliable as clinical goniometry for measuring elbow ROM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Instrument validity and reliability for photography-based goniometry were evaluated for a consecutive series of 50 elbow contractures by 4 observers with different levels of elbow experience. Goniometric ROM measurements were taken with the elbows in full extension and full flexion directly in the clinic (once) and from digital photographs (twice in a blinded random manner).

RESULTS

Instrument validity for photography-based goniometry was extremely high (intraclass correlation coefficient: extension = 0.98, flexion = 0.96). For extension and flexion measurements by the expert surgeon, systematic error was negligible (0° and 1°, respectively). Limits of agreement were 7° (95% confidence interval [CI], 5° to 9°) and -7° (95% CI, -5° to -9°) for extension and 8° (95% CI, 6° to 10°) and -7° (95% CI, -5° to -9°) for flexion. Interobserver reliability for photography-based goniometry was better than that for clinical goniometry. The least experienced observer's photographic goniometry measurements were closer to the reference measurements than the clinical goniometry measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

Photography-based goniometry is accurate and reliable for measuring elbow ROM. The photography-based method relied less on observer expertise than clinical goniometry. This validates an objective measure of patient outcome without requiring doctor-patient contact at a tertiary care center, where most contracture surgeries are done.

Can we improve the reliability of the Constant-Murley score?

HYPOTHESIS

The Constant-Murley score (CMS) is one of the most used scales for shoulder dysfunction. The aim of this study is to determine whether the reliability of the CMS can be improved by enhancing the standardization of the items.

METHODS

Two consecutive series of 55 patients with shoulder dysfunction were enrolled in a test-retest study and examined by 2 orthopedic surgeons with different levels of expertise. The following scores were measured: CMS, individual relative CMS, relative CMS, and standardized CMS. For each variable, the intraobserver and interobserver reliability was calculated.

RESULTS

The less experienced observer had worse intraobserver reliability using the CMS (error, 4 points; 95% limit of agreement, 22) than the expert observer (error, 2.4 points; 95% limit of agreement, 16). The standardized CMS showed better intraobserver reliability, with an error of 0.4 points and 95% limits of agreement of 9 for the expert observer and 13 for the less experienced observer. The correction against the contralateral unaffected side and the reference population determined a worsening of reliability in both observers. Interobserver reliability showed an improvement similar to that of intraobserver reliability (systematic error, 4; 95% limit of agreement, 24) by use of the CMS and improved to 1 point when the standardized CMS was adopted (95% limit of agreement, 12).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the standardization of the items significantly improved both the intraobserver reliability and interobserver reliability of the CMS. The level of expertise of the observer has less of an effect on reliability when the score is applied with a higher level of standardization.

Outcomes of modified 2-incision technique with use of indomethicin in treatment of distal biceps tendon rupture

Multiple surgical techniques for distal biceps tendon ruptures exist. Heterotopic ossification is an associated omplication of the 2-incision technique. The purpose of this study was to review the results of distal biceps tendon repairs via the modified 2-incision technique using indomethacin chemoprophylaxis. A retrospective review of 34 2-incision repairs of the distal biceps tendon was performed. All patients received 6 weeks of indomethacin treatment postoperatively to prophylax against heterotopic ossification. Outcome measures included disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scoring, incidence of heterotopic ossification, and forearm range of motion. Of the 34 elbows, 2 had minor complications that resolved within 6 weeks of presentation. The average DASH score at final follow-up was 3.8. No cases of heterotopic ossification, nerve palsies, reruptures, or radioulnar synostoses were observed. At final follow-up, no significant difference was noted in range of motion between the injured and uninjured extremity in all planes. The Morrey modification of the 2-incision technique can be safe and provide full functional recovery in patients with ruptured distal biceps tendons when performed in conjunction with indomethacin prophylaxis.

Goniometry: is it a reliable tool to monitor passive joint range of motion in horses?

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Simple objective assessment tools are essential to monitor the clinical efficacy of therapeutic interventions used in equine orthopaedics and rehabilitation. In human medicine, goniometry is a validated tool to quantify restrictions in joint range of motion (ROM); however, the technique is not validated in horses.

OBJECTIVES

To validate 2 different goniometry techniques for the measurement of passive flexion of the fetlock, carpus and hock by examining; 1) the intra- and inter-tester reliability; 2) the differences between 2 goniometry techniques and 3) differences between standing and anaesthetised horses.

METHODS

The study is composed of three parts: 1) the intra- and inter-tester reliability was examined on 10 horses, where each horse was assessed by 5 pairs of testers measuring ROM with a universal goniometer; 2) the differences between 2 goniometry techniques were examined on 14 horses, each assessed by 2 investigators (either working in pairs with one investigator holding the limb and the other measuring the joint angle, or working individually at the same time holding and measuring); 3) on 6 horses, the differences between standing and anaesthetised horses were assessed by 2 investigators with the same techniques as described above. Nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon sign-rank) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

1) The intra-tester reliability was high to excellent (ICC 0.8-1) and the inter-tester reliability low to average (ICC 0.1-0.5); 2) significant differences in joint ROM were registered in carpus and hock when measuring in pairs compared to singly and 3) significant differences in joint ROM were registered measuring anaesthetised compared to standing horses.

CONCLUSIONS

As shown in human studies, goniometry is a promising tool in documenting passive flexion of fetlock, carpus and hock, if used by the same investigator. However, additional studies are needed for further validation.

The effects of total ankle replacement on gait disability: analysis of energetic and mechanical variables

PURPOSE

The goal was to evaluate the effect of total ankle replacement (TAR) on gait in terms of mechanical and energetic variables.

METHODS

An observational, prospective study was undertaken in 20 patients before and approximately 7 months after unilateral mobile-bearing TAR. The clinical-functional level was assessed according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society 'AOFAS'. An instrumented motion analysis was used to assess spatiotemporal parameters, ankle kinematics, mechanical work, and electromyographic activity. Energy expenditure was analyzed using an ergospirometer.

RESULTS

AOFAS score improved 1.5 times. The speed was also significantly improved. In order to limit the influence of speed and to highlight the effect of the surgery, all variables were normalized by z-score to isolate the effect of TAR. With normalized z-score, spatiotemporal parameters and ankle amplitude instance were significantly improved. The vertical center of mass displacement was significantly improved, showing a less flat-walking pattern, and decreasing energy expenditure. Our results show that TAR has a beneficial effect on locomotor function.

CONCLUSIONS

Many studies have shown that improved clinical outcomes can be expected with the new generation of prostheses and this was as confirmed by our study. However, no previous study has investigated the effect of TAR on the functional limitations of gait as represented by mechanical and energetic variables.