Indurometer vs. Tonometer: Is the Indurometer Currently Able to Replace and Improve Upon the Tonometer?

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Device Technology
• Lymphedema Research

Background:

• The Indurometer, developed by Flinders Biomedical Engineering, aims to quantify tissue fibrosis by measuring resistance to applied force.
• It is designed as a potential replacement for the existing Tissue Tonometer in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the current Indurometer model with the Tissue Tonometer.
• To assess variability and repeatability between the two devices.
• To evaluate how variability differs across International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stages.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter trial involving 180 participants with unilateral arm lymphedema.
• Three repeat measurements using both the Indurometer and Tonometer at the forearm and upper arm.
• Comparison of measurement variability across different ISL stages.

Main Results:

• The Indurometer yielded lower measurement values than the Tonometer.
• The Tonometer demonstrated less variability than the Indurometer at both measurement sites.
• Tonometer measurements were significantly less variable in ISL stages 1 and 2, with no significant difference in stage 3.

Conclusions:

• The Indurometer offers improved ease of use over the Tonometer.
• Modifications are necessary to enhance the Indurometer's measurement variability before it can replace the Tonometer for lymphedema assessment.
• A better understanding of the ISL classification system is crucial for accurate interpretation.