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Methods for taking subtalar joint measurements. A clinical report.
R A Elveru1, J M Rothstein, R L Lamb
1Department of Physical Therapy, Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews Air Force Base, Camp Springs, MD 20331.
Physical Therapy
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Physical therapists measure subtalar joint neutral (STJN) position and subtalar joint (STJ) passive range of motion (PROM) using tested methods. While theoretically sound, these techniques show less than optimal reliability for lower extremity evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Physical Therapy
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Lower extremity evaluation is crucial in physical therapy.
- Accurate measurement of subtalar joint neutral (STJN) position and subtalar joint (STJ) passive range of motion (PROM) is essential for diagnosis and treatment.
- Existing measurement methods require critical review for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review current methods for measuring STJN position and STJ PROM.
- To present standardized, clinically tested, and theoretically sound measurement techniques.
- To assess the reliability of these measurement methods.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing measurement techniques for STJN and STJ PROM.
- Analysis of anatomical considerations underpinning measurement methods.
- Evaluation of reliability studies for selected measurement techniques.
Main Results:
- Standardized methods for measuring STJN position and STJ PROM were identified and presented.
- These methods are based on anatomical principles and have undergone clinical testing.
- The reliability of the presented methods, while not optimal, is the best adequately tested available.
Conclusions:
- Standardized methods for assessing STJN position and STJ PROM are available for physical therapists.
- Despite limitations in optimal reliability, these are the most rigorously tested methods currently.
- Further research may be needed to improve the reliability of subtalar joint measurements.