Measuring Femur and Tibia lengths

[Tom Bryant]

If this is in the wrong section then please move it.

I'm trying to find out online but I can't find anything solid.

Do any of you coaches happen to know the correct way to measure Femur and Tibia lengths?

[Tom Campitelli]

I believe that this is often done via x-ray or CT scan when the absolute lengths need to be accurately known. However, dissection is the gold standard.

[Steve Hill]

I typically do this on the platform using manual examination and bilateral comparison. It's more important to know which leg / segment is longer / shorter, and approximately how much, than the exact measurement. Once we know that, we start shimming until the movement becomes symmetrical again.

[lewabbit]

I believe that this is often done via x-ray or CT scan when the absolute lengths need to be accurately known. However, dissection is the gold standard.

LOL. That last bit is absolute gold.

[Tom Campitelli]

I was chuckling when I wrote it.

[b17vic]

Just measure from your ankle joint up to knee joint. Then measure from your knee joint up to your hip joint. Do it seated in an upright position with 90 degree angles at the knee and hip. Use the sort of tape measure that is used for measuring for the fitting of clothes. If you need a more exact measurement I don't know what to suggest :-O

[Steve Hill]

Is this cycling parlance?

Both cycling and weightlifting.

[Tom Bryant]

LOL. That last bit is absolute gold.

Classic Tom C.

[Steve Hill]

By 'symmetrical' and 'weightlifting', do you mean equalling out any leg length discrepancies, or some lifting voodoo?

When have we ever dealt in voodoo? Of course we mean equaling out leg length discrepancies.

[Brian Jones]

If you need advice on an instant shortening process of the tibia, I can assist . . .