Changes in popliteal angle measurement in infants up to one year of age.
The purpose of this study was to determine trends in the changes of the popliteal angle in 130 normal infants between one day and 12 months of age, for use in assessing infants with possible neuromuscular pathology. Using a 360 degree goniometer, the popliteal angle was measured with the hip held at 90 degree flexion, to indicate hamstring-muscle tightness. Limitation of knee extension was also measured with the hip extended (HEKE angle) to indicate capsular tightness. Both the popliteal and HEKE angle measurements showed greatest limitation of knee extension at birth, which decreased until eight months of age, when most infants showed no limitation. A highly significant negative correlation was found between age and mean popliteal and HEKE angles.
D000886:Anthropometry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007717:Knee; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values