Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

3D Ultrasound Imaging: Fast and Cost-effective Morphometry of Musculoskeletal Tissue
Published on: November 27, 2017
Volumetric evaluation of upper extremities in 250 healthy persons
N Gebruers1, S Truijen, S Engelborghs
1Department of Health Care Sciences, University College of Antwerp, Merksem, Belgium.
Background And Purpose:
Upper extremity oedema frequently occurs as a complication of several diseases. The aim of this study was to establish normative data for upper extremity volumes with a modified water displacement method. These data were used to develop predictive formulas helpful in detecting abnormal swelling.
Subjects And Methods:
Upper extremities of 250 healthy subjects (138 men and 112 women) were measured by water displacement.
Results:
A mean difference of 3.0% (3.2%) between right and left arm (forearm) was found. Intra-class correlation coefficients were 0.99 for intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities. Coefficient of variation was 0.23%. To predict the premorbid volume of an oedematous arm, prediction formulas were constructed.
Discussion And Conclusion:
Water displacement as used in this study is a highly reliable technique for volume measurement of upper extremities. This technique was applied to gather normative data for upper extremity volumes. We suggest that this technique can be used in daily clinical practice for the evaluation of upper extremity oedema or atrophy caused by various diseases as well as for volume monitoring. Prediction formulas can be used to define abnormal swelling.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
Respiratory Volumes
Tidal Volume (TV) Tidal volume (TV) is the air inhaled or exhaled in a...
