title: Measuring leg ulcers using a laser displacement sensor.
abstract: A non-contact method for the measurement of a skin ulcer's area and volume has been developed. A commercially available laser displacement sensor is scanned across the ulcer's surface to produce a displacement image. From this image the healthy normal skin's surface is reconstructed and the area and volume found. Results of measurements made with phantom ulcers show that the method has a precision and accuracy +/- 5% of the total size. This compares favourably with results from other non-contact methods that have been published. The method of measurement is simple and reliable. At present, the time taken to produce a displacement image is lengthy but this is due to a limitation in the instrumentation, rather that a failing of the technique. The result of a preliminary measurement made on a patient's leg ulcer is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics, Bradford Royal Infirmary, UK.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ibbett
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Dugdale
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Vowden
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vowden
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014945:Wound Healing