Objective To study the clinical value of using a four-point method (FP) in measuring joint angles.Method Methods Twenty-five subjects without knee dysfunction were studied.Every knee joint was tested in extension,below 90° of flexion and above 90° of flexion with the traditional three-point method (TP) and the new four-point method.X-rays were taken as a gold standard measurement.The reliability and validity were analyzed using Bland-Altman plots,which can yield 95% limits of agreement (LOA).Results (1) The joint axis centers moved with changes in joint angle.(2) The 95% LOA of inter-tester reliability was (-5.0,2.7) with the FP and (-6.5,4.4) with the TP.The 95% LOAs of intra-tester reliability were (-3.6,4.0) for tester A and (-4.1,4.8) for tester B with the FP,while (-5.0,6.4) for tester A and (-6.1,5.8) for tester B with the TP.(3) The 95% LOAs in the three positions were (3.5,2.6) in extension,(-3.3,3.6) in mild flexion and (-1.9,5.7) in greater flexion with the FP,and ( 6.8,1.1),(-4.0,7.1) and (0,8.5) with the TP.Conclusions The FP gives better reliability and validity than the TP in joint angle measurement.

Objective To analyze factors contributing to the quality of life of earthquake victims with nonunion fracture in limbs after medical rehabilitation and to provide a clinical reference for future disasters.Methods Thirty-one wounded who sustained their injuries in the Sichuan earthquake completed the short form-36(SF-36)questionnaire 2 weeks before their amputation,and after 3,6 and 12 months of medical rehabilitation.The SF-36scores were compared with Sichuan population norms.Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to highlight variables which influenced their functional recovery and their physical and mental health.Results The physical and mental health composite scores of the 31 victims were significantly lower than Sichuan population norms before medical rehabilitation,but they had a significant increasing trend after 3,6 and 12 months of treatment.Their scores on all the domains remained significantly lower than Sichuan population norms at a later follow-up.Smoking,external fixations and chronic diseases were related to their recovery of physical function.Age,permanent housing,family income and casualties among family members were related to their mental health recovery.Conclusion The quality of life of patients with nonunion fracture caused by earthquake can be improved significantly through medical rehabilitation.But social factors should be considered in addition to medical rehabilitation after an earthquake.