Goniometer

Goniometer

A Goniometer is a medical instrument that measures the angle of a joint in the human body. It is commonly used by physiotherapists, orthopedic surgeons, and other medical professionals to assess a patient's range of motion (ROM) in a joint. This can be particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as arthritis or bursitis, and in monitoring the progress of treatment or rehabilitation.

History

The goniometer was first described in the 17th century by mathematician and astronomer Galileo Galilei. The term "goniometer" comes from the Greek words gonia, meaning angle, and metron, meaning measure.

Design and Use

A typical goniometer consists of two arms: a stationary arm and a movable arm. The stationary arm is aligned with a fixed point on the body, while the movable arm is aligned with the body part that moves around the joint. The angle of the joint is then read from the scale on the goniometer.

Goniometers come in various sizes and designs, depending on the specific joint being measured. For example, a small goniometer might be used to measure the angle of a finger joint, while a large goniometer might be used to measure the angle of the hip or knee.

Clinical Significance

Goniometry is an important tool in the assessment of joint function. It can help to diagnose joint conditions, monitor the progress of treatment, and guide the development of rehabilitation programs. In addition, goniometry can be used to assess the effectiveness of interventions such as physiotherapy or surgery.

See Also

• Physiotherapy
• Orthopedic surgery
• Arthritis
• Bursitis

References

Goniometer Resources
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