Joint angle measurement: a comparative study of the reliability of goniometry and wire tracing for the hand

Objectives: To compare the inter-and intra-rater reliability of goniometry and wire tracing in the assessment of finger joint angles: metacarpo-phalangeal (MCPJ), proximal (PIPJ) and distal interphalangeal joints (DIPJ). Design: Twenty occupational therapists and 20 physiotherapists with a range of clinical experience were recruited from nine different centres. Using a masked goniometer and wire tracing they carried out repealed assessments of the MCPJ, PIPJ and DIPJ of a normal subject fixed in two different positions. Results: The two assessment methods did not produce comparable angle measurements. Goniometry showed greater inter-and intra-rater reliability than wire tracing. Regardless of the assessment tool, the repeatability coefficient indicated that DIPJ measurement was less reliable than the other joints. Clinical and specialist experience did not affect reliability, Conclusion: Although both goniometry and wire tracing show limitations as reliable assessment tools, it is recommended that where possible goniometry should be used.