Variation in Results of Volume Measurements of Stumps of Lower-Limb Amputees: A Comparison of 4 Methods

de Boer-Wilzing VG, Bolt A, Geertzen JH, Emmelot CH, Baars EC, Dijkstra PU. Variation in results of volume measurements of stumps of lower-limb amputees: a comparison of 4 methods.ObjectiveTo analyze the reliability of 4 methods (water immersion, computer-aided design [CAD] photometric method, CAD hand scanner, and circumferential measurements) for stump volume measurement in transtibial amputees.DesignRepeated measurements.SettingGeneral community, ambulatory care.ParticipantsTranstibial amputees (N=26; mean age ± SD, 58.7±11.0y).InterventionsStump volume of patients with an amputation was measured on 2 occasions, each consisting of 2 sessions. In each session, stump volume was measured by 2 observers using each of the 4 methods. Sequence of observers and measurement methods was determined randomly.Main Outcome MeasureRepeatability coefficients, as a measure for reliability, for each method were calculated, as well as variance components to estimate the influence of measurement conditions on stump volumes measured.ResultsRepeatability coefficients varied from 129mL CAD hand scanner to 158mL CAD photometric method. Error variance contributed 12% to the total variance. Methods contributed 36%, method-amputee and occasion-amputee interactions contributed both 25% to the error variance.ConclusionsRepeatability coefficient was lowest for the CAD hand scanner, which indicates the best reliability. Substantial differences existed in stump volumes measured between the 4 methods.