The Measurement Methods of Movement and Grip Strength in Children with a Previous Upper Extremity Fracture: A Comparative, Prospective Research.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Decreased range of motion of the elbow and forearm and decreased grip strength are potential findings following a childhood upper extremity fracture. Clinical follow-up is essential because spontaneous improvement is seen several months after the injury. Freehand measuring with a goniometer and hydraulic dynamometer is used to evaluate clinical result. The new methods are justified in avoiding human typewriting errors, thus improving patient safety. Nevertheless, their feasibility in child patients is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate congruence between the computer-assisted and the free-hand measuring methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 59 children with a previous supracondylar humerus fracture were clinically examined by means of free-hand (transparent goniometer and hydraulic dynamometer; Jamar, Lafayette Ltd.) and computer-assisted (E-Link System Packages, Biometrics Ltd.) methods. The range of motion and grip strength were measured separately using both methods. Agreement between the measurements was evaluated using the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The results between the two methods were incongruent and the differences between measurements increased along with the mean of measurements in all categories except elbow extension. Rotational range of motions were smaller and grip strength was weaker while measuring with the computer-assisted method. The mean discrepancy was 0.97° (95% confidence interval = -2.46 to 0.53) for elbow extension and 7.97° (95% confidence interval = 6.60-9.33) for elbow flexion. CONCLUSIONS: Grip strength is used to evaluate impairment of hand function. The study method showed slightly lower results in grip strength. Range of motion is essential when evaluating the outcome of supracondylar humerus fracture, while >10° of change in elbow range of motion associate with impaired function. As compared with the gold-standard goniometer, the methods were not congruent. However, all differences were under 10° and probably beyond clinical importance. Because of its advantages in recording the outcomes to electronical charts, the computer-assisted method is recommended option in performing the follow-up of complicated pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.