Goniometry: Knee Extension

Introduction

The knee joint's range of motion (ROM) is an important clinical parameter in knee assessment. Knee extension can be measured with a goniometer, which simply measures the joint angles. However, the goniometer has some limitations, such as not allowing the clinician to analyze the ROM and track the knee joint during, e.g., walking or maximum squat. Motion capture devices are mainly used to analyse the patient's gait and assess the condition of the joints and bones.

Anatomical Movement

Knee extension

Testing position

Patient is in prone with test-side ankle off plinth.

Goniometer Placement

AXIS LOCATION	STATIONARY ARM	MOVEMENT ARM
lateral epicondyle of the femur	along the femur to the greater trochanter	along the fibula to lateral malleolus

Expected Findings

Expected range of motion in prone is 0 degrees and -5 degrees in females (hyper mobility)