Proposed method for goniometric measurement of scapular protraction and retraction

Goniometry is an established clinical assessment for quantifying the amount of motion available at joints throughout the human body. Specific assessment techniques, guiding anatomical landmarks, and normative data are well established in the literature for most synovial joints of the extremities.1 The scapula presents a unique challenge for quantifying motion as an atypical articulation, gliding on the posterior thorax as opposed to focal rotation common to synovial joints. Some sources suggest visual observation or passive movement as a general measure of scapular mobility1 while others quantify scapular position by the relative distance between the medial border of the scapula and vertebral spinous processes.

Source: Journal of Hand Therapy - August 30, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Nathan Short, Michelle Mays, Ruth Ford, Ethan Fahrney Tags: Practice Forum Source Type: research