Measuring Volume Using a 3D Scanner and iPad to Grade the Swelling of Legs

Limb Volume, Measuring Edema

Leg swelling, 3-D Volumetry, phlebolymphedema, CEAP Clinical Class 3, Limb plethysmography, lymphedema

We used a new and easy-to-measure iPad 3D scanner to measure swelling in lower limbs because current technology is not easily available or affordable. We want to see how reliable the measurements are and what might affect how consistent they are.

Twenty limbs from ten healthy volunteers were scanned using an iPad-based Structure Sensor and software. Initial scans followed standard manufacturer instructions, but high variance rendered data unsuitable for clinical use. To improve accuracy, a standardized scanning protocol was developed, incorporating anatomical calibration, scanning distance standardization, and scanning time control. A 254-mm calf segment was defined using a 3D marker placed on the medial malleolus to ensure consistent volume measurement. The scanning distance was fixed between 50-59 cm to reduce zoom parallax errors, and scans were conducted after 3 PM to minimize diurnal volume fluctuations. Multiple technicians performed repeat scans on the same limb to assess intra-observer and inter-observer scan reliability.

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United States