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Screening for Posttraumatic Lower Extremity Lymphedema: Patient Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Quality of Life
Chelsea A Allen-Brough1, Brett Hahn2, Patrick Romijn3
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
|February 4, 2026
Summary
Post-traumatic lower extremity lymphedema (PTLEL) affects over 60% of patients with severe lower limb trauma. PTLEL significantly reduces quality of life and lower extremity function.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Lymphedema Management
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) is a common yet underdiagnosed chronic condition.
- The prevalence and characteristics of post-traumatic LEL (PTLEL) after severe lower limb trauma are not well understood.
- A validated screening tool, the Lower Extremity Lymphedema Screening Questionnaire (LELSQ), is available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of PTLEL in patients with severe lower extremity trauma.
- To characterize the clinical and demographic features of PTLEL.
- To identify risk factors and assess the impact of PTLEL on quality of life and lower extremity function.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of patients treated for complex lower extremity trauma was surveyed.
- Validated questionnaires included the LELSQ, EQ5D-5L (quality of life), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).
- Demographic and trauma data were collected for analysis.
Main Results:
- 62.1% of participants screened positive for PTLEL.
- PTLEL patients reported significantly lower quality of life (EQ-VAS, EQ-index) and reduced lower extremity function (LEFS scores).
- Patients with PTLEL experienced more daily life difficulties compared to those without.
Conclusions:
- PTLEL is a frequent complication following complex lower limb trauma.
- PTLEL is associated with substantial reductions in health-related quality of life and lower extremity function.
- Early screening and management of PTLEL are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
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