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Increased limb salvage with intraoperative and postoperative ankle level urokinase infusion in acute lower extremity ischemia.

Over a 30-month period (May 1988 to November 1990) 143 acutely ischemic lower extremities (126 patients) were treated with an aggressive surgical approach that included ankle level tibial-peroneal artery thromboembolectomy. Twelve lower extremities in 10 patients that remained ischemic were further treated with adjuvant ankle level urokinase infusion. Sixteen ankle level arteries in 12 extremities were infused with an intraoperative bolus (1 to 2) of urokinase (50,000 to 100,000 units). Continuous postoperative urokinase (25,000 to 50,000 units per catheter per hour x 1 to 5 days) was infused through ankle level arteriotomies in 10 extremities (14 arteries) that did not improve with the initial intraoperative bolus. Concomitant bypass grafting was necessary in four extremities. With adequate inflow established, adjuvant ankle level urokinase salvaged all 12 extremities. The mean increase in ankle/brachial pressure index was 0.84. During continuous postoperative urokinase infusion, lower extremity bleeding requiring blood transfusion occurred in four patients (50%). No deaths occurred in the operative period. Although rhabdomyolysis occurred in 90% of patients, no patients had renal insufficiency. The addition of ankle level urokinase delivery increased the potential limb salvage from 90% of the entire 143 extremities treated during this period to an actual limb salvage of 98%. A mean follow up of 13 months (6 to 36 months) identified one late amputation. Despite the demanding postoperative management required in these patients and the frequent need for early reoperation, the limb salvage obtained justifies this aggressive adjuvant technique in the management of the acutely ischemic lower extremity.

Aged

Accuracy of lower extremity arterial duplex mapping.

We performed lower extremity arterial duplex mapping from the aortic bifurcation to the ankle in 150 consecutive patients evaluated for aortic and lower extremity arterial reconstruction and compared lower extremity arterial duplex mapping in a blinded fashion to angiography. On the basis of history, physical examination, and four-cuff segmental Doppler pressures individual lower extremities were classified as normal, isolated aortoiliac disease, infrainguinal disease, and multilevel inflow and outflow disease. For vessels proximal to the tibial arteries, lower extremity arterial duplex mapping was analyzed for its ability to insonate individual arterial segments, detect a 50% or greater stenosis, and distinguish stenosis from occlusion. In the tibial arteries lower extremity arterial duplex mapping was evaluated for its ability to visualize tibial vessels and to predict interruption of tibial artery patency from origin to ankle. Lower extremity arterial duplex mapping visualized 99% of arterial segments proximal to the tibial vessels, with overall sensitivities for detecting a 50% or greater lesion ranging from 89% in the iliac vessels to 67% at the popliteal artery. Stenosis was successfully distinguished from occlusion in 98% of cases. In the tibial vessels lower extremity arterial duplex mapping was better at visualizing anterior tibial and posterior tibial artery segments (94% and 96%) than peroneal artery segments (83%), (p less than 0.001). Overall sensitivities for predicting interruption of tibial artery patency were 90% for the anterior tibial, 90% for the posterior tibial, and 82% for the peroneal. Clinical disease category did not influence in a major way the accuracy of lower extremity arterial duplex mapping in either above-knee or below-knee vessels.

Aged

Cognition and metacognition at extreme altitudes on Mount Everest.

The FACTRETRIEVAL2 test battery, which assesses both retrieval of general information from memory and metacognition about that retrieval, was administered to people before and after a recent expedition to Mount Everest and at extreme altitudes above 6,400 m (higher than any mountain in North America or Europe). The major findings were as follows: First, the same extreme altitudes already known to impair learning did not affect either accuracy or latency of retrieval, and this robustness of retrieval occurred for both recall and forced-choice recognition. Second, extreme altitude did affect metacognition: The climbers showed a decline in their feeling of knowing both while at extreme altitude and after returning to Kathmandu (i.e., both an effect and an aftereffect of extreme altitude). Third, extreme altitude had different effects than alcohol intoxication (previously assessed by Nelson. McSpadden, Fromme, & Marlatt, 1986). Alcohol intoxication affected retrieval without affecting metacognition, whereas extreme altitude affected metacognition without affecting retrieval; this different pattern for extreme altitude versus alcohol intoxication implies that (a) hypoxia does not always yield the same outcome as alcohol intoxication and (b) neither retrieval nor metacognition is strictly more sensitive than the other for detecting changes in independent variables.

Adult

Upper extremity wringer injury.

A clinical survey of 92 upper extremity wringer injuries over the past four years at the Bexar County Hospital are presented. Our treatment regimen and results are outlined. Complex injuries occurred infrequently (7%). No vascular insufficiency developed and no fasciotomies were required. We are of the opinion that hospitalization is necessary in all but a small number of selected cases. Close observation is necessary to prevent edema progression and further tissue loss. Ninety-two upper extremity compression injuries secondary to washing machine wringers were reviewed. Seventy-six percent of the injuries occurred in persons under 10 years of age. Extremity distribution was equal. Injury occurred below the elbow in 72% of the extremities. Soft tissue injury was manifested by swelling and tenderness in 96%. Twenty-one percent had no violation of the skin. Major avulsion, such as third degree skin loss, crush injury, dislocation, and tendon avulsion, occurred in 8%. The treatment regimen consisted of surgical preparation with Betadine, compressing dressing, and elevation. Observation of the involved extremity is made every hour for development of vascular insufficiency. Fractures and other major injuries were treated as indicated. No fasciotomy was required. No vascular insufficiency developed. SKin slough was present in 16 of 92 extremities and skin graft was required in 5 of the 16. Results of treatment reveal 87% with no functional impairment of the involved extremity. Varying degrees of impairment are present in 6% of the injured extremities with all localized to the major avulsion group of injuries.

Accidents, Home

Venous and arterial anomalies of the lower extremities diagnosed by duplex scanning.

The complex embryologic development of the vascular system often results in a myriad of clinically relevant anomalies. It has been stated that the classic anatomic venous pattern in the lower extremity is found in only 16 percent of patients. Previous studies on this topic are limited to isolated venous dissections or phlebography that lack complete anatomic detail. The recent introduction of high resolution duplex scanners for the assessment of veins of the lower extremity provides a unique opportunity to determine the incidence of anatomic variation. The current prospective study was done to identify venous or arterial anomalies apparent during routine duplex scanning of the lower extremity performed to rule out deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Limbs that had evidence of acute or chronic extensive DVT were excluded. Of 1,600 consecutive extremity scans, 946 extremities (59 percent) had no evidence of DVT. Of these, there were 43 patients with 64 anomalies in 57 extremities. The mean age of the group was 53.4 years. There were 24 women (55.8 percent) and 19 men (44.2 percent). There were 59 (92.2 percent) venous and five (7.8 percent) arterial anomalies. Duplication of the superficial femoral vein was the most common anomaly noted. Duplication of the deep femoral and popliteal vein was also noted. Unilateral anomalies were more common than bilateral anomalies, namely 67.4 versus 32.6 percent, respectively. Pain and swelling, common complaints in the patients with an anomaly, were noted in 71.4 and 45.7 percent, respectively. The frequency of deep venous anomalies of the lower extremities may be less than previously reported. Knowledge concerning the incidence and distribution of venous anomalies may lead to improved assessment and treatment of venous disease.

Adult

Autogenous vein graft repair of injured extremity arteries: early and late results with 134 consecutive patients.

Autogenous vein tissue is recognized as the preferred material for extremity revascularizations that require the use of a conduit. However, the results after vascular repair of injured extremity arteries with autogenous vein interposition or bypass grafts have not been well defined. This study was done to determine both the early and late patency and limb salvage rates as well as the graft infection rate of autogenous vein repairs of injured extremity arteries. The records of 134 consecutive patients with acute extremity arterial injuries requiring repair with a reversed autogenous vein graft over a recent 5-year period were reviewed. Follow-up graft patency was defined by the presence of a palpable pulse and an extremity Doppler-derived pressure index of greater than or equal to 0.9 distal to the arterial repair. Cumulative patency was assessed by the life-table method. Acute graft thrombosis occurred in two patients, one of whom underwent successful graft thrombectomy. Four patients (3%) required extremity amputation: one patient with a thrombosed vein graft and three patients with patent vein grafts but nonsalvageable limbs as a result of myonecrosis (2) or osteomyelitis (1). No perioperative graft infections occurred. One hundred twenty-eight patients (97%) had an intact extremity and a patent vein graft at the time of hospital discharge. One hundred three patients (80%) were examined at 30 days, and all grafts were patent. Seventy-three patients (57%) were available for follow-up at intervals exceeding 6 months, and 40 patients (31%) were followed-up for periods exceeding 24 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent

Reduced dependency on arteriography for penetrating extremity trauma: influence of wound location and noninvasive vascular studies.

Indications for arteriography in penetrating extremity trauma remain controversial. We reviewed our clinical experience in 454 patients (514 extremities) with penetrating trauma admitted during a prior 3 1/2-year period. Injuries were caused by stab wounds in 60 (11.7%) extremities and by gunshot wounds in 454 (88.3%) extremities. Thirty-three of the 60 stab wounds (55%) required urgent exploration, and 27 underwent arteriography. No arteriograms were positive for unsuspected arterial injury in this group. Forty-two of 454 gunshot wounds (9.3%) underwent mandatory exploration; arteriograms were performed on 412 extremities. Forty-four arteriograms (10.7%) demonstrated evidence of unsuspected arterial injuries. During the last year, randomly selected extremities (n = 23) have been studied with B-mode ultrasonography and segmental Doppler pressure measurements. Using the subsequent arteriography as the "gold" standard, sensitivity was 83% and specificity was 100%. Gunshot wounds were categorized according to location and positive arteriograms. Injuries to the lateral thigh and arm resulted in no positive arteriograms, while positive studies were observed in 11% of medial and posterior arm, 14% of antecubital fossa, 25% of forearm, 7.5% of medial and posterior thigh, 8% of popliteal fossa, and 26% of calf injuries. We recommend arteriography for gunshot injuries to identified high-risk areas, while clinical evaluation alone is accurate in all stab wounds to the extremities and gunshot wounds to the lateral thigh and outer arm. Preliminary data suggest expanded use of B-mode ultrasonography may further reduce our dependency on arteriography in these cases.

Adolescent

Composite in situ vein bypass for upper extremity revascularization.

Chronic upper extremity arterial insufficiency is rare. Consequently, major reports specifically limited to the topic are scarce, and the clinical experience is small. In addition, symptomatology, diagnostic criteria, and guidelines for surgical management remain ill-defined. In the lower extremities, however, in situ vein bypass has been attempted for nearly three decades. This technique offers many advantages over traditional revascularization methods. Although the procedure has become popular for the lower extremity, no report of its use in the upper extremity is found in the literature. We report what may be the first case in which in situ bypass was used in the upper extremity for a threatened limb secondary to diabetic occlusive vascular disease complicated by a previous shunt used for hemodialysis. Revascularization of the upper extremity using the in situ vein bypass technique may offer a new alternative to traditional methods of revascularization.

Adult

Differences in muscle blood flow in upper and lower extremities of patients after correction of coarctation of the aorta.

Using the method 133Xe clearance we investigated blood flow and calculated vascular resistances simultaneously in the muscles of the upper and lower extremities in 58 patients following successful surgical correction of aortic coarctation carried out at age 11.5 (+/- 2.9) years. The interval from operation to investigation was 11.5 (+/- 4.5) years. Resting and maximal ischemic exercise blood flows in the upper extremity were decreased and the duration of maximal blood flow was shortened. Values recorded from the lower extremities did not differ from normal controls. The difference between upper and lower extremities was statistically significant. Vascular resistance during maximal blood flow was higher in the upper extremities than in the lower. Differences between upper and lower extremities did not change after vasodilation elicited by amyl nitrite. The degree of differences was not dependent upon the age at operation, the age of the patients at investigation, or on the time interval between operation and investigation.

Adult

Real-time ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity.

One hundred twenty-six patients with clinically suspected acute deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity (DVT) were examined comparatively with ultrasound and venography. In total, 174 lower extremity venograms were obtained. Ultrasonic examinations were performed on patients in the supine position. The venous segments were evaluated almost exclusively with transversal scanning. In the thigh, the only criterion for DVT was the reduced or absent compressibility of the venous lumen when gently compressed with the transducer. In the calf, normal unobstructed veins can usually not be viewed in the supine patient, whereas thrombotic veins appear as sonolucent, incompressible channels. Eight-three of the 174 lower extremity venograms were positive for DVT. In the majority of cases (53 of 83) the thrombotic process had involved two or more segments in combination. The sites of involvement of the different venous segments were distributed as follows: 24 occlusions of the common femoral vein, 52 of the superficial femoral vein, 56 of the popliteal vein, and 71 of the calf veins. Ultrasound had a sensitivity of 100% for thrombosis of the common femoral vein, 96% for the superficial femoral veins, 98% for the popliteal vein, and 93% for the calf veins. For the entire lower extremity, in regard to the diagnosis of thrombosis, the overall sensitivity was 95%. In 90% the extension of the occlusion was foreseen correctly. In no cases were false-positive results reported. Thus the overall specificity was 100%. The authors conclude that real-time ultrasound is a highly accurate method for the diagnosis of DVT of the lower extremity. It is the only indirect method capable of evaluating the venous system of the thigh, as well as that of the calf, with high accuracy. It should be the first choice of diagnostic imaging method in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity.

Adolescent

Identifying diabetic patients at high risk for lower-extremity amputation in a primary health care setting. A prospective evaluation of simple screening criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prospectively a risk categorization scheme for lower-extremity problems that incorporates the Semmes-Weinstein 5.07 monofilament and a simple exam to stratify patients who were followed in a primary-care setting into risk groups for plantar ulceration and lower-extremity amputation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients with diabetes in a well-defined American-Indian population were stratified into four risk categories based on sensation status to the 5.07 monofilament, the presence of foot deformity, and a history of lower-extremity events (amputation or ulceration): category 0, sensate; category 1, insensate; category 2, insensate with deformity; and category 3, history of lower extremity events. Patients were followed prospectively for lower extremity events and changes in sensation status. RESULTS: We gave screening exams to 358 (88%) of 406 individuals with diabetes in the community. The distribution of patients for risk categories 0, 1, 2, and 3 was 74.3, 8.4, 4.5, and 13%, respectively. Over a 32-mo follow-up period, 41 patients developed ulcerations, and incidence rates correlated positively with increasing risk category (P less than 0.00001). All 14 amputations occurred in risk groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the risk categorization described here may have a role in identifying patients at risk for lower extremity events who are followed in a primary-care setting.

Amputation, Surgical

[A case of monoballism in unilateral lower extremity--somatotopic relation in subthalamic nucleus].

A 62-year-old man with monoballism in the right lower extremity was reported. The cranial MRI showed a small lesion affecting the posterior portion of the contralateral subthalamic nucleus. Superficial EMG recording revealed 1-2 Hz rhythmic grouping discharges in right quadriceps femoris, hamstrings, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius-soleus. In the vast majority of cases, ballistic movements involved both upper and lower extremities of one side (hemiballism), but the present case showed monoballism in the lower extremity only. Previous reports suggested the somatotopy mapping subthalamic nucleus; the posterior portion being associated with the lower extremity, middle part with the upper extremity and the oral pole with the face. In the present case, the affected part of subthalamic nucleus was towards its posterior portion and it seemed legitimate to associate such topographic location of the lesion with the absence of involuntary movements in the upper extremity and the face. Coronal and axial sections of high-field MR scans were useful for the detection of the responsible lesion.

Electromyography

Non-invasive vascular tests reliably exclude occult arterial trauma in injured extremities.

We evaluated the ability of noninvasive vascular tests to exclude clinically significant occult arterial damage in injured extremities. In a preliminary study, a Doppler arterial pressure index (API) (the systolic AP in the injured extremity divided by the AP in an uninvolved arm) of less than 0.90 was found to have sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 97%, respectively, for major arterial injury. The negative predictive value for an API greater than 0.90 was 99%. Because these values suggested that noninvasive vascular tests might effectively be substituted for "exclusion" arteriography in patients at risk for silent extremity arterial injuries, we then conducted a trail in which arteriography was performed in extremity trauma victims only when the API was less than 0.90. Among 100 traumatized limbs (84 penetrating, 16 blunt) in 96 consecutive patients, 16 of 17 limbs (94%) with an API less than 0.90 had positive arteriographic findings, and seven underwent arterial reconstruction. Among 83 limbs with an API greater than 0.90, followup (including duplex scanning in 64 limbs) revealed five minor arterial lesions (four pseudoaneurysms, one arteriovenous fistula) but no major injuries. Arteriograms for extremity trauma fell from 14% to 5.2% of all angiographic studies performed (p less than 0.001, Chi-square). These studies suggest that noninvasive vascular tests can reliably exclude major occult arterial damage in injured extremities. Screening for such injuries with Doppler arterial pressure measurements, reserving arteriography for limbs in which the API is less than 0.90, is safe, accurate, and cost effective.

Adolescent

Management of severe musculoskeletal injuries of the upper extremity.

Limb salvage was successful in 25 patients treated for severe grade III upper extremity injuries. In a retrospective review of 20 men and five women, follow-up time averaged 26 months. These high-energy injuries were characterized by massive soft-tissue injury, highly comminuted fractures, and significant neurovascular injury. Farm, industrial, and vehicular accidents accounted for 80% of the cases. Over 50% of the patients had concomitant systemic and/or other significant extremity injuries. Initial treatment consisted of irrigation and debridement and fracture stabilization using external and/or internal fixation. An average of four additional surgical procedures was required to provide soft-tissue coverage and maximum possible functional recovery. Forty-eight percent of the extremities underwent free vascularized or pedicular flaps for coverage or reconstruction. At final follow-up observation, 12% of the extremities rated excellent, 20% rated good, 52% fair, and 16% were poor. Experience gained in managing these severe upper extremity fractures supports the following observations. (a) Grade III open fractures of the upper extremities are frequently associated with significant neural, vascular, and musculotendon injuries. (b) External fixation plays an important role in the stabilization of grossly contaminated fractures. (c) Residual functional disability is common, and most patients do not return to their previous occupation. (d) Staged reconstruction directed toward maximum functional return may take several years.

Adolescent

Penetrating extremity trauma: identification of patients at high-risk requiring arteriography.

Indications for arteriography in patients with penetrating trauma to the extremities remain controversial. Some clinicians have recommended universal use of arteriography, whereas others prefer to rely on physical findings alone. To better define our indications for contrast studies, we reviewed clinical data on 306 patients (349 extremities) with penetrating trauma who were admitted during a prior 2-year period (1985 to 1987). Injuries were caused by stab wounds in 50 (14.3%) extremities and by gunshot wounds in 299 (85.7%) extremities. Twenty-seven of the 50 stab wounds (54%) required urgent exploration based on physical findings, whereas 23 underwent arteriography. None of these studies showed unsuspected arterial injury. Twenty-nine of 299 gunshot wounds (9.7%) underwent mandatory exploration, and arteriograms were performed on 270 extremities; findings in 30 studies (11.1%) were positive for unsuspected arterial injuries. Gunshot wounds were categorized according to location and number of arteriograms with positive results. Arteriograms of lateral thigh and upper arm injuries resulted in no positive outcomes. Positive study results were recorded in 22.9% of calf injuries, 20% of forearm and antecubital injuries, 9.5% of popliteal fossa injuries, 9.0% of medial and posterior thigh injuries, and 8.3% of medial and posterior upper arm injuries. We recommend arteriography for penetrating injuries to these high-risk areas. However, clinical evaluation alone is accurate for identification of arterial trauma with lateral thigh or upper arm wounds and stab wounds to the extremities.

Adolescent

Prediction rules for selective radiographic assessment of extremity injuries in children and adolescents.

To assess the potential for selective use of roentgenography in evaluating extremity injuries, prediction rules were developed based on prospective observations for 617 injured children and adolescents examined in our Emergency Department (phase 1) and tested on 601 examined 1 year later (phase 2). Logit analysis produced best-fitting statistical models for phase 1 data with significant (P less than 0.05) direct effects of gross signs, point tenderness, activity not routine, swelling moderate or severe, time from injury less than 6 hours, and pain with motion for upper extremity injuries; and, for lower extremity injuries, not knee injury, activity not routine, point tenderness, and foot injury. Prediction rules developed in phase 1 performed equally well when tested on phase 2 injuries. Data from both phases were combined, therefore, in analysis that produced risk estimates. For all injury types (ie, for injuries with all possible combinations of presence or absence of these findings), risk for fracture was derived. For upper extremity injuries, with a threshold risk for fracture of 20% used to select specific injury types for roentgenography, prediction rule outcomes were 18.1% of roentgenograms avoided and 5.3% of fractures missed. For lower extremity injuries, using a threshold risk of 10% to select injury types for roentgenography, outcomes were 25.8% of roentgenograms avoided and 5.3% of fractures missed. Alternative prediction rules allowed still greater roentgenogram avoidance, although missed fractures also increased. Risk of adverse functional outcome from missed fractures appeared small. Annual national cost savings from the elimination of 18.1% of upper and 25.8% of lower extremity roentgenographic evaluations was estimated at $103 million.

Adolescent

Relationship of cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremity to degree of hand preference.

The degree of hand preference, ie, the extent to which the use of one upper extremity is obligate, has not been studied previously as a possible risk factor for the development of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders (UECTDs). This case-control study was designed to test the hypothesis that strong hand preference, whether left or right, would be associated with UECTDs in a working population. Case subjects were drawn from workers who presented to one of two acute care clinics for treatment of work-related cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremity. Control subjects were drawn from job applicants presenting for preplacement examinations at the same two clinics. The degree of hand preference was determined by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory of Oldfield. The 48 case subjects evidenced a higher absolute value of the mean handedness score (indicative of a stronger degree of hand preference) than the 134 control subjects (P = .01). As a dichotomized variable, being "strong"-handed versus "weak"-handed was a significant risk factor for UECTD (P = .01, odds ratio = 2.48). Among the 48 case subjects, 83% had a UECTD ipsilateral to the side of hand preference. This study found that workers who develop cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremity are more likely to exhibit a strong hand preference than a group of applicants entering the work force. These findings suggest that the endogenously determined obligate use of one extremity may be a significant risk factor for the development of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders.

Adult

The Impact of Upper Extremity Rehabilitation on Fatigue in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Although numerous interventions have been investigated to alleviate fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), evidence regarding the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation on fatigue remains limited. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to evaluate and synthesize the available evidence on the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation interventions on fatigue in PwMS. METHODS: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was performed up to August 2026. Studies were eligible if they investigated the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation interventions on fatigue in PwMS. The risk of bias of randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2), and the certainty of the evidence was appraised using the GRADE methodology. RESULTS: Nine studies including 250 participants (136 intervention, 114 control) met the inclusion criteria. The included studies evaluated a range of technology-assisted, exercise-based, home-based, and task-oriented upper extremity rehabilitation approaches, with some interventions incorporating more than one therapeutic or technological component. Fatigue outcomes were measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Risk of bias was low in three randomized controlled trials, with some concerns in two and high in two; among the two crossover studies, one was rated as low risk and one as high risk. GRADE assessment showed low certainty of evidence for studies using the FSS and very low certainty for those using the MFIS, indicating an overall low certainty of the available evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions regarding the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation on fatigue in PwMS. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required.

Humans