A comparison of ultrasound to goniometric and inclinometer measurements of torsion in the tibia and femur

Background Torsions in the tibia and femur are important measurements for clinicians and researchers. A safe, accurate and time efficient tool is needed to advance the study of torsion. This study compared ultrasound and goniometric measures of torsion and also determined the repeatability of the goniometric techniques. Methods 19 females and 15 males (68 limbs) aged 19–69 years were studied. The transmalleolar axis, thigh–foot angle, and femoral torsion were measured with goniometers and compared to ultrasound measurements of tibial and femoral torsion using simple regression. Goniometric measures were measured twice to determine reliability. Results Goniometric measures of torsion were found to be reliable (intraclass correlation coefficients range: 0.84–0.90). Goniometric measurements had a weak to moderate significant relationship to ultrasound measures (standardized beta coefficient range: 0.56–0.70). Discussion Ultrasound and goniometric methods both provide useful measures of torsion; ultrasound may be more suitable for research and pre-operative planning.