Comparison of area measurement methods in the routine assessment of diabetic foot ulcers—A consistency analysis method

Abstract

Background: Ulcer area is a critical parameter in diabetic foot ulcer assessment but existing methods have deficiencies for routine measurement. Aim: We hypothesized that the Image J-based Computer Analysis method has a high level of agreement with the commonly used Maximum Length and Width and the Transparent Dressing-based Square Grid methods and aimed to test the consistency and verify the feasibility of the Image J-based Computer Analysis method in the routine assessment of ulcers. Methods: Outpatient attendees with diabetic foot ulcers at the Department of Endocrinology of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital were enrolled between October 2020 and October 2021. The three methods sequentially assessed the area of 65 included ulcers. Results were analysed using one-way analysis of variance and Bland-Altman plots to perform consistency analysis.Results: The mean ± standard deviation ulcer area measured using the three methods were 14. 79 ± 5.39, 14.35 ± 5.26, and 14.30 ± 5.26 cm 2 , respectively. The measurement differences among the three groups or between any two were not statistically significant. Bland-Altman plots showed good consistency between the Image J-based Computer Analysis and the other two methods. Conclusion:The Image J-based Computer Analysis method can be interchanged with the other methods to assess ulcer areas. It is freely accessible, accurate and homeoperable, thus worth consideration by nurses for routine ulcer area assessment.

Short‐term effect of dressing with Dermaheal ointment in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: A double‐blinded randomized controlled clinical trial

“…For the measurement of ulcer size, a secondary outcome, we utilized a transparent, scaled, flexible ruler to record the largest dimensions of the ulcer site. Subsequently, the ulcer size was calculated by multiplying the largest length by the largest width and the largest depth 24 …”

“…Subsequently, the ulcer size was calculated by multiplying the largest length by the largest width and the largest depth. 24 …”

Effectiveness of continuous home wound care on patients with diabetic foot ulcers

“…Some disposable wound rulers were distributed to the patients' family caregivers, who were trained to use their smartphone's built‐in camera to take pictures of the patient's foot ulcers. The shooting methods and requirements can be referred to in a previously published article (Luo et al., 2023). The researchers evaluated their instant demonstration to determine their qualifications and recorded them in the photography training and demonstration logs.…”

“…The shooting methods and requirements can be referred to in a previously published article (Luo et al, 2023). The researchers evaluated their instant demonstration to determine their qualifications and recorded them in the photography training and demonstration logs.…”