Abstract：
BACKGROUND: Exact quantification of volumetric changes of the extremities is difficult and often error-prone. The aim of this study was to establish a standardized method based on 3-dimensional (3D) scans. Furthermore, this study tests the method in terms of reproducibility and evaluates volume changes after surgical therapy in patients suffering from lymphedema on the lower extremity.
METHODS: 3D scans of the lower limb were performed with a mobile 3D scanner; \"repeatability\" and \"interobserver reliability\" of digital volumetry were tested. Furthermore, the method was applied on 31 patients suffering from chronic lymphedema.
RESULTS: Calculations of repeatability of the volume based on 20 3D scans of the same lower leg showed a mean volume of 2.488 ± 0.011 liters (range: 2.470-2.510). The mean volume of the different examiners did not differ significantly (F(2,18) = 1.579, P = 0.233). The paired t-test showed a significant mean volume decrease of 375 mL (95% confidence interval = 245/505 mL) between pretreatment and post-treatment (t (30) = 5.892, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: 3D volumetry is a noninvasive, easy, and quick method to assess volume changes of the lower leg. Other than the low costs, it is reproducible and precise and therefore ideal for evolution of therapy in lymphedema.
METHODS: 3D scans of the lower limb were performed with a mobile 3D scanner; \"repeatability\" and \"interobserver reliability\" of digital volumetry were tested. Furthermore, the method was applied on 31 patients suffering from chronic lymphedema.
RESULTS: Calculations of repeatability of the volume based on 20 3D scans of the same lower leg showed a mean volume of 2.488 ± 0.011 liters (range: 2.470-2.510). The mean volume of the different examiners did not differ significantly (F(2,18) = 1.579, P = 0.233). The paired t-test showed a significant mean volume decrease of 375 mL (95% confidence interval = 245/505 mL) between pretreatment and post-treatment (t (30) = 5.892, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: 3D volumetry is a noninvasive, easy, and quick method to assess volume changes of the lower leg. Other than the low costs, it is reproducible and precise and therefore ideal for evolution of therapy in lymphedema.
摘要：
背景：四肢的体积变化的精确量化是困难的，并且经常容易出错。这项研究的目的是建立一种基于3D扫描的标准化方法。此外，这项研究从可重复性方面检验了该方法，并评估了下肢淋巴水肿患者手术治疗后的体积变化。
方法：使用移动式3D扫描仪对下肢进行3D扫描。测试了数字容积的“可重复性”和“观察者间可靠性”。此外，该方法适用于31例慢性淋巴水肿患者。
结果：基于相同小腿的20次3D扫描的体积可重复性计算显示平均体积为2.488±0.011升（范围：2.470-2.510）。不同检查者的平均体积没有显着差异（F（2,18）=1.579，p=0.233）。配对t检验显示治疗前和治疗后的平均体积显著减少375ml(95%CI=245/505ml)(t(30)=5.892,p<.001)。
结论：3D容量测量是非侵入性的，方便快捷的方法来评估小腿的体积变化。除了低成本，它是可重复和精确的，因此理想的治疗淋巴水肿的演变。
方法：使用移动式3D扫描仪对下肢进行3D扫描。测试了数字容积的“可重复性”和“观察者间可靠性”。此外，该方法适用于31例慢性淋巴水肿患者。
结果：基于相同小腿的20次3D扫描的体积可重复性计算显示平均体积为2.488±0.011升（范围：2.470-2.510）。不同检查者的平均体积没有显着差异（F（2,18）=1.579，p=0.233）。配对t检验显示治疗前和治疗后的平均体积显著减少375ml(95%CI=245/505ml)(t(30)=5.892,p<.001)。
结论：3D容量测量是非侵入性的，方便快捷的方法来评估小腿的体积变化。除了低成本，它是可重复和精确的，因此理想的治疗淋巴水肿的演变。
