What are the types of optical goniometers?

An optical goniometer is an instrument that measures an angle or allows an item to rotate to a certain point. The former term applies more in orthopedics. The knowledge and knowledge of measuring the joints in each joint plane are termed goniometry. Thus, a goniophotometer is also derived from this family. The most common usage is the universal standard goniometer, manufactured from either plastic or metal tools. It comprises a fixed arm, a moving arm, and a pivot.

Main components
There are three components to a universal goniometer. A body that is intended to create a full or half-circle protractor. It features a measuring scale for the angle. The body’s core is a screw that enables the moving arm to move freely within the gadget body. That may tighten the screw-like mechanism to fix the movable arm in a particular position or release it to allow movement freedom.

The center and body are positioned over the measured joint. The fixed arm is the arm of the optical goniometer, which aligns with the inactive portion of the measured joint. It is structurally part of the body and cannot be moved regardless of the body. The moving arm is the goniometer’s arm, which is aligned with the measured moving portion of the joint.

Main types of Optical Goniometer
Universal Goniometer
1. Two shapes, small arm, and long arm
2. The optical goniometer with a short arm is utilized for minor joints such as the wrist, elbow, and knee. A precise goniometer with a long arm is more suited for longer-heel joints, such as the knee and hip joints.

Twin Axis Electrogoniometer
The dependability of the electrogoniometer between raters is more excellent than the universal goniometer. But challenging to use in the clinical assessment of patients, therefore being more used for research reasons.

Gravity Goniometer
1. One arm features a weighted pointer, which stays upright under the gravity effect
2. Goniometer based on software/smartphone
3. A Smartphone as a digital optical goniometer offers many advantages, such as availability, measuring ease, application-based measurement tracking, and one-hand use.

Arthrodial Goniometer
1. Ideal for assessing cervical rotation, anteroposterior bending, and cervical spine lateral flexion.
2. A universal goniometer is the most frequently used of all kinds.

Technique
The active and passive range of motion is measured using a goniometer. Positioning in goniometry is critical because it aids in neutralizing the joints and stabilizing the proximal joint-segment, both of which are important. As soon as the common proximal component is fastened, the examiner pushes the distal joint through its mobility range until it reaches the ultimate feeling.

1. After that, the examiner restores the distal component to its original starting point. Put the goniometer together and palpate the bone markers to determine their location.
2. The examiner takes the first measurement, removes the goniometer, and asks the patient to move a joint in question.
3. The examiner then replaces the goniometer and rearranges it before reading and noting what they have found. This principle is used the same in goniophotometer.
4. The tester takes three measurements and takes the average of them to determine the dynamic range of motion.
5. To ensure precise measurement, the patient must not move their body while the joint is being manipulated.
6. Because soft tissue components are positioned around the joint, tension is created around the joint. Compared to an open position, any posture that puts pressure on the soft tissue structures will reduce the range of motion available.

It is critical to use the same testing posture for all measurements to guarantee that the soft tissue tension remains consistent. This method ensures comparable outcomes. Movement causes inaccurate readings. LISUN has the best types of goniophotometers.