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An assessment of the accuracy and usability of a novel optical wound measurement system
Author(s) -
Bowling F. L.,
King L.,
Fadavi H.,
Paterson J. A.,
Preece K.,
Daniel R. W.,
Matthews D. J.,
Boulton A. J. M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2008.02611.x
Subject(s) - medicine , usability , human–computer interaction , computer science
Aims Measurement of wound size can predict healing and provide information to guide treatment. This study assesses a novel optical wound imaging system that creates a three‐dimensional image of the ulcer. Methods Using a new camera‐based digital system and traditional elliptical wound measurements, 36 foot ulcers from 31 patients (aged 44–94 years, median 70 years) were examined during a 12‐week period at two centres. Median diabetes duration was 18 years (range 6–56 years). Seventeen percent had Type 1 diabetes, 93% had peripheral neuropathy and 57% had peripheral artery disease. Twenty‐five were reviewed consecutively, resulting in 76 ulcer examinations. Median ulcer size was 94 mm 2 , with size ranging from 3.1 to 2195 mm 2 . Results Pearson, Spearman and Kendall rank coefficients showed a strong correlation (in all cases P < 0.001) between digital measurements of wounds against traditional hand‐measured estimates. Intra‐observer variation of wound length using digital elliptical measurement (DEM) gave a coefficient of variation of < 3.0%. Interobserver variation of wound length using DEM was < 6.5%. Variation from a standard known‐size wound area was < 8.0% across 30 trials. Conclusions This study shows a strong correlation between digital and traditional measurement techniques. The system can be easily deployed in routine clinical practice, providing an objective visual record, allowing remote in‐depth analysis.