Measurement of Elbow Range of Motion in Full Term Neonates

Abstract

Introduction: This cross sectional study was done to establish normal values of range of motion (ROM) of elbow joint. Since normative values for elbow flexion passive range of motion (PROM) and extension limitation of the elbow joint in neonates are not well-documented in literature, the present study was undertaken. Methods: The PROM and extension limitation of elbow joint measured using universal goniometer. It was based on 160 elbow joints of neonates. Observations And Results: The mean elbow flexion PROM was 159.3 degrees in neonates. The extension limitation was 19.2 degrees in neonates. The results of the present study showed that there was no significant statistical difference of PROM and extension limitation between male and female neonates and between right and left elbow joints. Conclusions: The findings of the present study will be helpful to the clinicians, therapists and researchers as ready references to PROM and extension limitations of elbow joint in infants. Since there was no statistically significant difference between right and left knee joint, in the presence of a lesion of one elbow joint, the movement on the healthy side of the joint can be used for routine comparison with the affected limb. In the presence of bilateral lesion, the present data can be used for comparison. The advantage of using these data is that, they provide the best available estimates of normal elbow joint PROM and extension limitation.