Editorial Type:
Bone, Joint, and Cartilage

Comparison of measurements obtained by use of an electrogoniometer and a universal plastic goniometer for the assessment of joint motion in dogs

Todd M. Thomas Comparative Orthopedics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606.

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 DVM, MSpVM
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Denis J. Marcellin-Little Comparative Orthopedics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606.

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Simon C. Roe Comparative Orthopedics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606.

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 BVSc, PhD
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B. Duncan X. Lascelles Comparative Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606.

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 BVSc, PhD
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Bess P. Brosey Military Working Dog Center, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX 78236.

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 MZS, DVM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.67.12.1974
Volume/Issue:
Volume 67: Issue 12
Online Publication Date:
01 Dec 2006
Restricted access
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Abstract

Objective—To compare measurements obtained by use of a universal plastic goniometer (UG) and an electrogoniometer (EG) and from radiographs and to compare joint motion in German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retrievers.

Animals—12 healthy adult German Shepherd Dogs and data previously collected from 16 healthy adult Labrador Retrievers.

Procedures—German Shepherd Dogs were sedated. One investigator then measured motion of the carpal, cubital (elbow), shoulder, tarsal, stifle, and hip joints of the sedated dogs. Measurements were made in triplicate with a UG and an EG. Radiographs were taken of all joints in maximal flexion and extension. Values were compared between the UG and EG and with values previously determined for joints of 16 Labrador Retrievers.

Results—An EG had higher variability than a UG for all dogs. The EG variability appeared to result from the technique for the EG. German Shepherd Dogs had lower values in flexion and extension than did Labrador Retrievers for all joints, except the carpal joints. German Shepherd Dogs had less motion in the tarsal joints, compared with motion for the Labrador Retrievers, but had similar motion in all other joints.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A UG is reliable for obtaining measurements in German Shepherd Dogs. There was higher variability for the EG than for the UG, and an EG cannot be recommended for use.

Abstract

Objective—To compare measurements obtained by use of a universal plastic goniometer (UG) and an electrogoniometer (EG) and from radiographs and to compare joint motion in German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retrievers.

Animals—12 healthy adult German Shepherd Dogs and data previously collected from 16 healthy adult Labrador Retrievers.

Procedures—German Shepherd Dogs were sedated. One investigator then measured motion of the carpal, cubital (elbow), shoulder, tarsal, stifle, and hip joints of the sedated dogs. Measurements were made in triplicate with a UG and an EG. Radiographs were taken of all joints in maximal flexion and extension. Values were compared between the UG and EG and with values previously determined for joints of 16 Labrador Retrievers.

Results—An EG had higher variability than a UG for all dogs. The EG variability appeared to result from the technique for the EG. German Shepherd Dogs had lower values in flexion and extension than did Labrador Retrievers for all joints, except the carpal joints. German Shepherd Dogs had less motion in the tarsal joints, compared with motion for the Labrador Retrievers, but had similar motion in all other joints.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A UG is reliable for obtaining measurements in German Shepherd Dogs. There was higher variability for the EG than for the UG, and an EG cannot be recommended for use.

Contributor Notes

Dr. Thomas' present address is West Coast Branch Veterinary Services, Southern California District Veterinary Command, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055.

The authors thank LTC Michael Lagutchik, LTC David Fletcher, MAJ Rebecca Evans, SFC Michael Rubio, SGT Cory Mobley, SPC Jeanette McKinnon, Tracy Cann, and Dr. Gary Spodnick for technical assistance.

Address correspondence to Dr. Marcellin-Little.
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Dec 2006
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