Variation in results of volume measurements of stumps of lower-limb amputees: a comparison of 4 methods.

Abstract

To 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. Repeated measurements. General community, ambulatory care. Transtibial amputees (N=26; mean age ± SD, 58.7±11.0y). Stump 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. Repeatability 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. Repeatability 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. Repeatability coefficient was lowest for the CAD hand scanner, which indicates the best reliability. Substantial differences existed in stump volumes measured between the 4 methods.