Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the goniometric measurements of the forelimb and hind limb joints in two species of Neotropical primates maintained in captivity.
Methods: Eighteen intact monkeys organized into two groups were studied: Group 1-9 brown howlers (Alouatta fusca), and Group 2-9 tufted capuchins (Sapajus apella).
Results: Significant differences were observed in the maximum flexion of the shoulder, elbow, carpus, stifle, and tarsus (G1>G2); maximum extension and abduction of the shoulder (G1<G2); maximum extension (G1>G2) and adduction (G1<G2) of the carpus; and maximum extension, abduction and adduction of the hip (G1>G2). The ROM was significantly different in all joints: shoulder (G1<G2), elbow (G1<G2), carpus (G1>G2), hip (G1>G2), stifle (G1<G2), and tarsus (G1<G2).
Conclusions: A. fusca and S. apella maintained in captivity have significant differences in the goniometric measurements of both forelimb and hind limb joints, primarily in maximum flexion and ROM.
Keywords: captivity; joint motion; measurement; primate.
© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.