Comparison of femoral torsion assessment using goniometry and computerized tomography

Femoral torsion in 17 nonhandicapped subjects, aged 3–22 years, was assessed using a clinical goniometry method and computerized tomography. Three therapists recorded the goniometer measures. The goniometric method was found to underestimate femoral torsion by a mean difference ranging from 9–12° across the three testers. The mean difference within tester was significant comparing the two methods using a Wilcoxon Rank Sum test (p > 0.05). The results indicate that clinical goniometric assessment of femoral torsion should only be used as a screening tool with knowledge that a discrepancy of 10–15° to radiographic assessment measures may be due to measurement error.