Beyond water: 3D laser scanning offers a cutting-edge alternative for upper limb volume assessment.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and efficiency of a 3D laser scanner as a tool for volumetric measurement of the upper limbs, comparing it with the gold standard method of non-reflux water displacement. The study sought to determine whether the 3D scanner could serve as a reliable and time-efficient alternative in clinical settings, particularly for managing conditions like lymphedema.

Methods: A total of 30 healthy participants (18 women, 12 men) were recruited, and volumetric measurements were taken using both the 3D scanner and water displacement methods. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were calculated using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and agreement between the methods was assessed using a Bland-Altman plot. The time required for each measurement and data processing were recorded and compared between the two methods.

Results: The 3D scanner demonstrated excellent inter-rater (ICC = 0.995) and intra-rater (ICC = 0.991) reliability, surpassing the water displacement method (ICC = 0.973 and 0.968, respectively). The Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement between the two methods, with only two measurements outside the 95% confidence limits. However, the 3D scanner required significantly more time for both measurement and data processing (28.55 seconds and 120 seconds, respectively) compared to water displacement (9.64 seconds).

Conclusions: The 3D scanner offers high reliability and precision for upper limb volumetric measurements, potentially improving clinical management of conditions such as lymphedema. Despite longer acquisition times, its accuracy and versatility make it a promising tool for future clinical use, especially in scenarios where precise monitoring is crucial.