What is a Small Bone Caliper Used For?
A small bone caliper is used to measure the diameters of the following bones:
- Wrist (Bistyloid)
- Elbow (Humerus)
- Knee (Femoral)
- Ankle (Bimalleolar)
How to Use a Small Bone Caliper
Note: To effectively use a small caliper requires training with a certified instructor and supervised practice. The following instructions are just an introduction. You can learn more about ISAK anthropometric training courses here.
Before you start measuring, the first thing to consider is how to hold it. It should be taken with both hands, putting each index at the outer end of each branch and thumb on the inside of them, the middle fingers should be free as they are used to identify and locate the bones or anatomical points to measure, as follows :
Wrist (Bistyloid) Diameter:The subject to be measured must have the arm in pronation. The styloid process of the radius and the ulna is taken as a reference, where each jaw of the caliper should be located at an angle of 45 °. |
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Elbow (humerus) Diameter:(or Biepicondyle of the humerus) the medial and lateral epicondyle are taken as reference. The calilper is positioned at 90 ° from the forearm, the jaws of the caliper are located at each epicondyle and the measurement is read. Note: the lateral epicondyle is slightly upward. |
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Knee (Femoral) Diameter:(or Biepicondylar of femur) The subject to be measured should be seated with the knees at a 90 ° angle. Identify the epicondyles and locate each jaw on each of them. The caliper should be 45 ° downward. |
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Ankle (Bimalleolar):The subject to be measured should be seated with the knees at a 90 ° angle, with the feet flat on the floor. The anthropometrist should be in front and kneeling to identify the tibial (external) and malleolar fibula (internal) malleolar points and place each jaw of the caliper in each at a 45 ° angle. |
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