Limb Length/Girth/Volume

Measurement
PHT 1261C Tests and Measurements
Dr. Kane
Anthropometric
Measurements
 Definition – anthropometry

◦ What is it?

◦ Why is it important?
What do we measure?
What to measure?
 Edema
 Localized swelling
 Joint effusion
 Muscular changes
 Asymmetry of body parts
 Effects of surgical procedures
Why 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

What to measure with?
 Tape Measure
 Steel Tape
 Volumeter
 Anthropometer
 Calipers
 Perometry – infrared laser
 Bioimpedence
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
Limb Length Measurement
 Indications
◦ Upper Extremity
 Arm
 Forearm
◦ Lower Extremity
 Thigh/Femur
 Leg
Girth Measurements
 Indications
 Upper Extremity

◦ Arm
◦ Forearm
 Lower Extremity
◦ Thigh
◦ Leg
 Other areas
◦ Hands, feet, waist, hips, head
Leg Length Measurement
 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
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