An early classification of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for lymphedema was based on simple limb measurements.
Patient selection: unilateral lymphedema
Measurements:
(1) circumference of the affected limb in cm
(2) circumference of the opposite (normal) limb in cm
There could be two approaches to taking these measurements:
(1) maximum circumference of the affected limb, then the corresponding site on the opposite limb
(2) the circumference at a standardized place on each limb
difference between the two limbs = interlimb discrepancy =
= (circumference of affected limb) - (circumference of the unaffected limb)
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Difference in cm
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Grade
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< 3 cm
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mild
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3 to 5 cm
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moderate
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> 5 cm
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severe
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Management would be affected by the grade of the lymphedema, with more severe lymphedema requiring more aggressive management.
