In burn patients, joint contracture is a common complication caused by hypertrophic scars, necessitating accurate evaluation and diagnosis of the degree of disability and functional deterioration. A standard goniometer based on the American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines for measuring joint range of motion (ROM) is the gold standard for evaluating musculoskeletal diseases. However, the handheld goniometer is highly dependent on the skill and experience of the measurer. Recently, a marker-based system for accurate ROM measurement has been demonstrated in clinical evaluation. This study investigated the reliability and validity of the marker-based system for evaluation of joint ROM in burn patients. Inclusion criteria were as follows: male or female patients between 18 and 75 years of age, partial or full-thickness burns that healed spontaneously or required skin grafting, and limited joint ROM in the upper extremities caused by burns. Exclusion criteria were limited joint ROM due to severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, congenital defects, structural disease, amputation, central or peripheral nervous system injuries, difficulty in voluntary decision-making due to cognitive impairment, or a history of orthopaedic surgery due to fracture. The experimentals tried to compare the validity and reliability of a marker-based system and AMA methods for the burn patient with joint contracture of upper extremities.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
range of motion of joint
Timeframe: 2 days
Seongeun Baek/Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital IRB