To measure wrist flexion accurately, you'll need to position the goniometer correctly and follow a specific process. Here's how:
Understanding the Process
Wrist flexion refers to the movement of bending the hand towards the forearm. Measuring this range of motion helps assess joint health and functionality. The video reference, Range of Motion Measurement: Wrist Flexion - YouTube, provides a visual guide to this process.
Steps for Measuring Wrist Flexion
Here’s a breakdown of the steps, incorporating information from the provided video:
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Patient Positioning: Ensure the patient is comfortably seated with their forearm supported on a flat surface. The hand should be free to move.
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Goniometer Placement:
- Stationary Arm: The stationary arm of the goniometer should be placed along the midline of the ulna (the bone on the pinky side of the forearm).
- Moving Arm: The moving arm of the goniometer will align with the midline of the fifth metacarpal (the bone leading to the pinky finger).
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Movement:
- Instruct the patient to press their hand down, flexing the wrist.
- The moving arm of the goniometer will move in accordance with the motion of the hand.
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Reading the Measurement:
- Observe and note the final angle displayed on the goniometer to record the degree of wrist flexion.
Key Considerations
- Accurate Alignment: Ensure proper alignment of the goniometer arms for an accurate reading.
- Comfort: Ensure the patient is comfortable to avoid any discomfort during the measurement.
- Full Range: Encourage the patient to flex their wrist to their maximum comfortable range to obtain the maximum flexion.
- Practice: Repeat the measurement as needed to confirm consistency.
