Edema measurement in trauma patients with a fracture of the lower extremities in the

rehabilitation phase.

There is no available information in the literature about the development of edema in

the affected limb in trauma patients with fracture of the lower extremities. There is no knowledge about

the edema process over time in patients with a fracture of the lower extremities who are allowed to have

permissive weight bearing. Is an increased edema in the affected side a sign of inflammation? Can we

demonstrate differences in edema in the fractured side relative to the contralateral side? Is this

inflammatory response useful as feedback to be given to patients and therapists to better individualize

the weight bearing?

The aim of this study is to investigate whether it is possible to reliably measure the edema of the lower

extremities at the height of the ankles by using a tape measure to measure edema of rehabilitants and

to follow them longitudinally. The hypothesis is that an increase of edema at the level of the ankle is a

sign of overload and requires adaptation of the rehabilitation program. The study population is trauma

patients with a fracture of the lower extremities that are clinically admitted in Adelante Rehabilitation Centre.

Investigate whether we can reliably measure the edema of Investigate whether it is possible to reliably measure the edema of the lower extremities

by means of a tape measure on both ankles of the rehabilitants and follow the edema longitudinally

through time. An increase in edema at the height of the ankle is a sign of overload and requires

adaptation of the rehabilitation program.

At the end of the day the edema will be measured. If there is an increase in edema and the patient is having complaints, the rehabilitation program will be adapted.

The edema at the height of the ankle will be measured with a tape measure in trauma patients who have had a fracture of the lower extremities.