Measuring the size of ulcers by planimetry: a useful method in the clinical setting
R.F. Öien, A. Håkansson, B.U. Hansen, M. Bjellerup

SUMMARY

  Objective: The aim of this study wa.r to compare four measurement methods. Digital planimetry wa.s compared with mechanical planimetry, placing the film over graph paper and counting the squares (grid tracing), and multiplying the teso maximal perpendicular diameters of the ulcer (diameter product).

  Method: Twenty patients with 50 chronic leg ulcers of various aetiology and sizes (20 ulcers were <_ 3 cm', 15 ulcers were > 3 cm' and <_ 10 cm', and 15 ulcers were > 10 cmZ) were enrolled consecutively into this study. Ulcer area wa.r calculated from film transparency tracings using a digital planimeter, a mechanical planimeter, grid tracing and diameter product.

  Results: The mean difference of digital planimetry versus mechanical planimetry, grid tracing and diameter product was 0.51 cm" 0.72 cmz and ?5.38 cm', respectively. For all methods difference tended to increase with ulcer size.

  Conclusion: Digital and mechanical planimetry, together with grid tracing, appear to be appropriate means of obtaining accurate surface area measurements. Digital planimetry is a quick and practical method and could therefore be recommended in the clinical setting.

  Declaration of interest: The digital planinneter was loaned by Mólnlycke Health Care.

KEY WORDS

Diameter product, digital planimetry, grid tracing, mechanical planimetry, ulcer size.

Vol. 13 nº4-2002