Lateral digital photography with computer-aided goniometry versus standard goniometry for recording finger joint angles.

This study compares the accuracy of computer-aided goniometry with standard goniometry. 109 finger joint angles at the extremes of flexion and extension were measured by a senior hand therapist using standard goniometry. Lateral digital photographs were then taken of the hands and the same angles were read from these by computer. There was good correlation (r(2)=0.975) between the results. Computer goniometry averaged 1 degrees (95%Cl=0 degrees -+2 degrees ) more than the standard goniometry. We feel that computer goniometry of finger joints is accurate and compares well with standard goniometry. Copyright 2002 The British Society for Surgery of the Hand.