Goniometers

A goniometer measures the angle of a joint. Two arms pivot around a protractor scale: one arm is aligned with the proximal segment, the other with the distal, and the scale reads the angle between them. It is the standard instrument for recording range of motion in orthopaedics, physical therapy and rehabilitation.Metal rather than plasticThe stainless steel patterns here differ from the disposable plastic goniometers in two ways that matter clinically: they can be autoclaved, so they can be used in a sterile field or between patients without a wrap, and the engraved scale does not wear off with cleaning.PatternsThe Carroll finger goniometer is the small pattern for measuring individual finger joints — the arms are short enough to sit against a single phalanx. Collin and Moeltgen are full-size instruments for the larger joints, with longer arms that align more accurately along the limb.