THE CORRELATION BETWEEN A. D. L. AND R. O. M. OF ELBOW JOINT

• Published in: Rihabiritēshon igaku Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 251 - 260
• Main Author: MURATA, Hideo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine 1977
• DOI: 10.2490/jjrm1963.14.251
• ISSN: 0034-351X

In this paper the relationship between ADL and ROM of elbow joint was discussed from the view point of the experimental study using a electrogoniometer and clinical study about cases with limitation of motion of elbow. 1. A new electrogoniometer was developed for measuring the degree of flexion and extension in the elbow joint (Fig. 1). This instrument is simple, small, mass-less and does not restrict physical activity of subject. An error between the angle obtained with the electrogoniometer and a skeletal structures of elbow by means of X-ray cinematograph was read in less than 5 degrees (Fig. 3). Outputs from the electrogoniometer were recorded in magnetic tape (TEAC-410 data corder) by wire or wireless telemetring method and were analysed by computer system (DECK PDP-12). The motion of elbow joint was measured with the electrogoniometer in some ADL such as follows 1) simple working on desk (Fig. 4), 2) long time activities in daily working (Fig. 7), 3) eating, washing a face, 4) doning a trouser and socks (Fig. 8) 2. Observations on a relationship between the ROM of limited or fixed elbow and the ADL were done and discussed about clinical cases and experimental modeles who were fixed elbow joint at various angles with orthosis. (Fig. 9-12) 3. Results from experiences and clinical observations were as follows 1) In usual ADL, extension of elbow joint under 20-30 degrees is not necessary. 2) In case with no limitation of motion of each joint except elbow, the almost of ADL are sufficiently performed in the range of motion of elbow joint from 75 degrees to 105 degrees. 3) The functional position of the arthrodesed elbow should be 90 degrees flexion in unilateral case. But in bilateral case, it is necessary to get the range of flexion over 105 degrees at one side and the range of extension under 75 degrees at another side. 4) To maintain the range of flexion over 90 degrees is the most important in ADL. 5) About forearm rotation, supination is more important than pronation in ADL.