Patent US 7,201,726

A repeatable patient-specific measurement technique, along with a technique for analyzing the data obtained. The process employs common anatomical reference points to guide the clinician performing the measurements. The measurements taken are logged into a database using a standard format. A volume corresponding to the area measured is then calculated. The series of measurements can be accurately repeated during subsequent evaluations of the same patient. Subsequent volume calculations are also made so that the volume of the measured region can be tracked over time. The volumetric information is then used to evaluate certain patient-specific criteria such as efficacy of treatment and accuracy of diagnosis. The volumetric information can also be correlated to the patient's region of origin, age, sex, ethnicity, occupation and the like. The process is preferably performed using computer software to record the measurement techniques, calculate the volumes, and present the data in a variety of numerical and graphical formats. Treatments employed—as well as physical observations made—can be tied to the measurements in the database, so that a clinician can evaluate the efficacy of various treatments. Other information can also be stored in the database to allow the aforementioned correlative analysis.