The chiromorphoergometry and the chirophotogrammetry

The authors suggest a suitable method for "measuring" morpho-functional involvement of hands (and wrists). This method analyzes four tests: three postural tests and a photogrammetric test. The three positions are: - "Praying hands" (fig. 1) - "Dorsum of the hands opposed" (fig. 2) - "Phalanges opposed (by their dorsum)" (fig. 3) These positions (1-2-3) define three angles alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3. The corresponding indices I1, I2, I3 are synthetized by the following mathematical formula: Ii = 1 - alpha i/90 Patients, in the photogrammetric (or surface) test, lean their hands on a Chigot's plantiscope. The illuminated area provides the fourth index expressed by this formula: I4 = 2,5 Sc/St - 0,25 It is possible to calculate a general index It with the following formula: (formula; see text) Angles and surfaces are documented photographically. The method may be very helpful in evaluating the clinical course and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis.