%0 Journal Article
%T Digital Volumetric Measurements Based on 3D Scans of the Lower Limb: A Valid and Reproducible Method for Evaluation in Lymphedema Therapy.
%A Schiltz D
%A Diesch ST
%A Kiermeier N
%A Eibl D
%A Felmerer G
%A Schreml S
%A Biermann N
%A Prantl L
%A Taeger CD
%J Ann Vasc Surg
%V 105
%N 0
%D 2024 Aug 3
%M 38579911
%F 1.607
%R 10.1016/j.avsg.2024.01.011
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>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.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>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.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>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.