Name of the Procedure:

Range of Motion Measurements and Report; Each Extremity or Each Trunk Section

Summary

Range of Motion (ROM) measurements assess the flexibility and movement of joints. This procedure involves measuring how far a joint can move in different directions and is often documented for each extremity (arms and legs) or each section of the trunk (spine).

Purpose

ROM measurements are used to evaluate joint function, detect any limitations or abnormalities, and monitor the progress of treatment for various conditions. The goal is to identify restrictions that may impact daily activities and to guide therapeutic interventions.

Indications

• Joint pain or stiffness
• Post-injury or post-surgical recovery
• Chronic conditions like arthritis
• Neurological conditions affecting movement
• Pre- and post-rehabilitation assessment
• Musculoskeletal disorders

Preparation

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the joints being assessed.
• No special fasting or medication adjustments are typically required.
• A brief medical history and physical examination may be conducted beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, exposing the joint to be measured.
2. A goniometer or other measurement device is used to assess the joint's range of motion.
3. The examiner moves the joint through its various positions: flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.
4. Measurements are recorded in degrees for each movement direction.
5. Observations and findings are documented in a report for each extremity or trunk section.

Tools/Equipment: Goniometer, inclinometer, or other ROM measurement devices. Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes per joint or trunk section.

Setting

ROM measurements are usually performed in an outpatient clinic, physical therapy center, or hospital setting.

Personnel

• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Physicians or physician assistants
• Trained medical staff

Risks and Complications

• Mild discomfort or pain during the assessment, especially if the joint is inflamed or injured.
• Temporary soreness if the joint is moved beyond its comfortable range.
• Rare risk of injury if not performed correctly.

Benefits

• Accurate assessment of joint flexibility and function.
• Identification of movement limitations.
• Enhanced treatment planning and monitoring.
• Improved understanding of the patient's condition.

Recovery

• No specific recovery time is needed.
• Patients might experience minor discomfort which usually subsides shortly after the procedure.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor progress.

Alternatives

• Diagnostic imaging (e.g., MRI or X-rays) to assess joint structure.
• Functional movement screening tests. Pros and Cons: Imaging provides structural information but not functional mobility. Functional movement screening offers a broader assessment of movement patterns but lacks precise measurements.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, patients may feel slight pulling or stretching of the joints.
• Pain management includes brief rest periods between measurements and gentle handling of joints.
• Overall, the procedure is generally well-tolerated with minimal inconvenience.