CHANGES IN POPLITEAL ANGLE MEASUREMENT IN INFANTS UP TO ONE YEAR OF AGE

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Abstract
Trends in the changes of the popliteal angle in 130 normal infants between 1 day and 12 mo. of age were determined for use in assessing infants with a 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 8 mo. of age, when most infants showed no limitation. A highly significant negative correlation was found between age and mean popliteal and HEKE angles.

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