Circumference Measurement in Lower Limb in Lymphedema

Circumference Measurement in Lower Limb in Lymphedema

Authors

1. Bismi Farhana M
Qualification: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
Affiliation: Saveetha College of Physiotherapy,
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

2. Dr. S. Senthil Kumar (Corresponding Author)
Qualification: MPT, Ph.D., BDS
Affiliation: Saveetha College of Physiotherapy,
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

3. Hemalatha S
Qualification: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
Affiliation: Saveetha College of Physiotherapy,
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

4. Abinaya Shree A
Qualification: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
Affiliation: Saveetha College of Physiotherapy,
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

5. Santhosh Krishna Kamaraj
Qualification: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
Affiliation: Saveetha College of Physiotherapy,
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

                                                                Abstract

Background:
Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition resulting from impaired lymphatic drainage, leading to fluid accumulation and swelling in the extremities. Accurate measurement of limb circumference is essential for monitoring disease progression and fabricating appropriate compression garments for effective management.

Objective:
To identify consistent patterns between various lower limb circumference points in order to optimize the design and adjustment of pressure garments used in lymphedema treatment.

Methodology:
A total of 30 healthy individuals aged 20–45 years of both genders were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Circumferential measurements were taken at key anatomical landmarks from the metatarsal head to the groin using a standard non-elastic measuring tape. The aim was to determine proportional relationships across the limb to enable construction of graded pressure garments that adapt to volume changes in lymphedema patients.

Results:
Preliminary measurements indicated proportional variations in circumference between measurement points. These findings suggest the potential for predicting subsequent circumference changes, reducing the need for repeated full-limb measurements and facilitating the design of adaptable compression garments.

Conclusion:
This study provides a foundational framework for establishing predictable circumference relationships in the lower limb, enabling efficient fabrication of pressure garments with minimal remeasurement. Further studies are recommended to validate these findings in clinical lymphedema populations.