of fluid entry into the interstitium and the rate of removal of that fluid via resorption
and lymphatic drainage.
If lymphatic drainage function becomes depressed to a point where it can not
maintain the balance, fluid begins to accumulate in the tissue. When fluid
accumulation increases to a certain amount, the increase in volume of the body
part that has experienced the fluid accumulation becomes measureable by various
methods. However, there can be a considerable increase in tissue fluid before
volume changes can be detected. When protein also accumulates, usually due to
lymphatic dysfunction, edema becomes lymphedema.
Limb Volume Measurement Methods
Water Displacement
If the body part involved is a limb (or part of a limb), water displacement
methods may be used to directly measure volume and its change.
Girth (circumference) Measurements
Measuring limb circumferences and then using these to calculate either the
whole volume of the limb or segments of the limb is the most common method
used clinically and in most research studies. The girth measurements can be
made manually using a suitable tape measure or electronically using
sophisticated opteoelectronic apparatus.
Limb Volume Measurement References and Resources
Published Articles