LYMPHEDEMA-CLINICAL

SUMMARY

1. Acute, transient and mild: occurs a few days post-operatively.

2. Acute and painful: occurs 4 to 6 weeks post-operatively resulting from acute phlebitis, lymphangitis or cellulitis (streptococcus pyogenes).

3. Erysipeloid form: results from minor trauma. Superimposed on chronic edema.

4. Insidious and painless: no erythema. Happens years after first treatment. Most common form.

5. Stemmer sign: positive if patient's skin cannot be pinched. If positive: definitely lymphoedema.

6. Ddx: other causes of chronic oedema (which may co-exist).

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.