A fast method for finding maximum range of motion in the hip joint

摘要

Introduction: For diagnosing some of the hip diseases, it is important to obtain the hip's range of motion. For example loss of internal rotation in the hip is one of the first signs of internal hip pathology and can be related to diagnoses, such as arthritis. Also, increase in femoral or acetablular ante version usually demonstrates an increase in the internal rotation. Clinical hip examinations are usually based on rotating the hip in the special orientations. For instance, the flexion adduction internal rotation test is used to aid in the diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement in the anterior location. Such practical methods are usually based on the patient's feedback during the examinations and therefore the diagnosis may not be easy and accurate [MAR05]. On the other hand, after diagnosing the hip disease, the treatment may be based on surgery. For example options for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement include trimming of the anterior aspect of the acetabular rim, and surgical resection of part of the anterolateral aspect of the neck. Since the operation can be highly invasive, it is essential that surgeon has knowledge of maximum range of motion before operation to know exactly about the surgery strategy and reduce the risk of miss-operation [MGC05].