title: The Littler line method and the area under a Gaussian curve: a new method of assessing digital range of motion.
abstract: A new method of measuring digital range of motion (the Littler line method) is presented. When a Gaussian curve is centered over the Littler line and the appropriate area under the curve is computed, this area can provide a measure of the functional range of motion regained by an injured digit. Seventeen children (24 digits) with flexor tendon injuries were evaluated at an average follow-up period of 58 months (range, 12-121 months). The Littler line/Gaussian curve method was found to be more reproducible than total active motion, particularly in zone I and II injuries. This method can serve as a more meaningful functional assessment tool than a linear measurement such as total active motion, because it emphasizes digital motion in the mid-ranges of digital motion. (J Hand Surg 2001;26A:23-30.
authors.affiliation: C.V. Starr Hand Center, Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY 10019, USA.
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Catalano
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Browne
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Frobish
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ezaki
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Littler
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D016011:Normal Distribution; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome