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PubMed1999

Effect of podiatric medical care on rates of lower-extremity amputation in a Medicare population.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Medicare patients at risk for lower-extremity amputation due to complications from diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and/or gangrene who receive the services classified under Level II code M0101 of the Health Care Financing Administration's Common Procedure Coding System (cutting or removal of corns, calluses, and/or trimming of nails, application of skin creams and other hygienic and preventive maintenance care) have lower rates of lower-extremity amputation than those who do not receive such services. Analysis of the data suggests that those at-risk beneficiaries who received these services were nearly four times less likely to experience lower-extremity amputation than those who did not receive such services. The study has both methodologic limitations (the study considers only one variable, receipt or nonreceipt of certain types of podiatric medical care, while other variables may affect rates of lower-extremity amputation) and technological limitations (attempts to link the 2 years of per case Medicare Part B data were unsuccessful, limiting the length of the study to 1 year). Further research on this topic is encouraged.

Aged↗

PubMed1993

Complete congenital duplication with incomplete separation of a lower extremity.

A case of a boy with complete duplication of the lower extremity and separation below the lower leg was described. Although x-ray examination revealed no femur, operation revealed a cartilage expected to become the femur in the future. A classification of duplication and separation of the lower extremity is proposed. The method and course of treatment in the present case were described in detail, including the application of tissue expanders on the deformity of the knee joint accompanied by a shortening of the sciatic nerve.

Congenital Abnormalities↗

PubMed2001

Increased arterial wall stiffness limits flow volume in the lower extremities in type 2 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To document an association between arterial wall stiffness and reduced flow volume in the lower-extremity arteries of diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We recruited 60 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients who had no history or symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the lower extremities and normal ankle/brachial systolic blood pressure index at the time of the study (non-PAD group) and 20 age-matched nondiabetic subjects (control group). We used an automatic device to measure pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the lower extremities as an index of arterial wall stiffness. At the popliteal artery, we evaluated flow volume and the resistive index as an index of arterial resistance to blood flow using gated two-dimensional cine-mode phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Consistent with previous reports, we confirmed that the non-PAD group had an abnormally higher PWV compared with that of the control group (P < 0.001). To further demonstrate decreased flow volume and abnormal flow pattern at the popliteal artery in patients with a higher degree of arterial wall stiffness, we assigned the 60 non-PAD patients to tertiles based on their levels of PWV. In the highest group, magnetic resonance angiograms of the calf and foot arteries showed decreased intravascular signal intensity, indicating the decreased arterial inflow in those arteries. The highest group was also characterized by the lowest late diastolic and total flow volumes as well as the highest resistive index among the groups. From stepwise multiple regression analysis, PWV and autonomic function were identified as independent determinants for late diastolic flow volume (r(2) = 0.300; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Arterial wall stiffness was associated with reduced arterial flow volume in the lower extremities of diabetic patients.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Lower extremity socket design and suspension.

The availability of advanced materials and techniques means that lower extremity prosthetic users of all ages and amputation levels can achieve a more complete lifestyle recovery. The key component of any lower extremity prosthesis is the socket. The socket is the foundation for the user's comfort, and comfort is the foundation for restoring a individual's mobility. Dynamic sockets, "high-tech" liners, and individualized fitting practices are key elements in achieving comfort. Various available suspension systems address the needs of virtually all users. Finally, emerging technologies indicate an even brighter future for all individuals who use a lower extremity prosthesis (Fig. 13).

Amputation, Surgical↗

PubMed1986

Mechanism of acute lower extremity pain syndrome in fluoride-treated osteoporotic patients.

Acute pain in the lower extremity, which has previously been attributed to synovitis or fasciitis, develops in about 15 percent of osteoporotic patients treated with sodium fluoride. This report describes 11 osteoporotic women in whom this syndrome developed while they were being treated with sodium fluoride (mean dose 78 mg per day; range, 60 to 90). [99mTc]Hydroxymethylene diphosphonate scintiscanning showed an increased number of foci of abnormal uptake in the lower extremities (p less than 0.05), when compared with results of scintiscanning in 12 nonsymptomatic osteoporotic women treated with sodium fluoride and 12 osteoporotic women treated with oral calcium carbonate only. The increased uptake was not restricted to the areas of pain. Roentgenography revealed stress microfractures in five of the 11 symptomatic patients. It is concluded that the acute lower extremity pain syndrome during fluoride therapy usually results from intense regional bone remodeling, which may be complicated by stress microfractures.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Surgical treatment of chronic lower extremity neuropathic pain.

The current authors retrospectively reviewed 147 lower extremity peripheral nerve procedures in 114 patients (average age, 42 years) with chronic lower extremity neuropathic pain to determine whether surgical treatment based on an empirically derived algorithm could reduce pain and improve function. This algorithm assigns crush, stretch, and chronic transection injuries to treatment with transection and containment. Peripheral nerve stimulation was used in conjunction with transection and containment for patients with more chronic presentations for whom previous transections had been unsuccessful. Patients with adhesive neuralgia underwent revision neurolysis with vein wrapping. Patients with repetitive nerve trauma (overuse) underwent primary or revision neurolysis. Duration of symptoms averaged 37 months, and mechanisms of nerve injury included chronic transection, crush, adhesive neuralgia, stretch, repetitive trauma, and idiopathic etiology. Time to followup averaged 38 months. Pain and dysfunction were ranked from 0 points (no pain or dysfunction) to 10 points (pain prompting request for amputation or functional deficit warranting wheelchair use); preoperative and followup work status were documented. Average pain and dysfunction scores improved: 8.8 to 5.6 points and 7.6 to 5.0 points, respectively. Of the 114 patients, 52 (46%) patients improved their work status, including 35 of 87 (40%) involved in workers' compensation. There were no statistically significant differences in outcome based on mechanism of nerve injury or type of procedure. The consistent average improvement suggests this algorithm assigns the appropriate procedure to a given mechanism of injury.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

[Vascularized pedicle iliac crest for the repair of bone and soft tissue defect of lower extremity].

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of transplantation of the vascularized pedicle iliac crest for the repair of bone and soft tissue defect of lower extremity. METHODS: The vascularized pedicle iliac crest was designed for the repair of bone and soft tissue defect of lower extremity according to anatomic feature of leg and foot. Skin graft was used for coverage of the iliac flap. RESULTS: Skin survival could demonstrate the survival of the vascularized pedicle iliac crest indirectly one week postoperatively. Skin survived completely in 4 cases and partly in 3 cases. Callus was seen at the transplantation site one month postoperatively, and K-wires were removed 4 months later in the cases of metatarsal defect. The external fixators were removed in the cases of tibia defect 6 to 8 months postoperatively. The functions of lower extremities were restored in 2 to 4 months. The bone and soft tissue defects were repaired, and ultimate function and cosmetic effects were satisfied after the mean follow up of 10 months (ranged from 6 to 15 months). CONCLUSION: Transplantation of the vascularized pedicle iliac crest is an ideal method for the repair of bone and soft tissue defect of lower extremity. The operation can be performed in one stage. The functions and cosmetic effects are better than the traditional methods.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Therapy of lower extremity infections with ciprofloxacin in patients with diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, or both.

PURPOSE: Lower extremity infections in the presence vascular insufficiency are difficult and costly to treat. Few well-controlled clinical trials evaluating the management of these infections exist. We decided to investigate the ability of a new fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin, to reduce the morbidity associated with these infections and the amount of in-hospital time required for the administration of antibiotic therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients with peripheral vascular disease (46 with diabetes mellitus) who presented to the hospital for treatment of lower extremity infections were randomized in a blinded fashion to receive oral ciprofloxacin at a dosage of either 750 mg or 1,000 mg twice daily. Patients with osteomyelitis received three months of therapy and those with infections limited to soft tissues, three weeks of ciprofloxacin treatment. All subjects were followed for one year. RESULTS: One patient received an amputation 24 hours after enrollment, and two patients discontinued therapy after 20 and 34 days because of adverse effects and were not evaluable. At the one-year follow-up, 27 of the 45 (60 percent) evaluable patients had a fully successful outcome defined as not requiring either repeat antimicrobial therapy for their initial infection or amputation of the involved extremity. In the group of 18 patients in whom therapy failed, a total of only nine amputations were required. In the 15 patients whose lesion closed during therapy, 93% (14 patients) experienced a long-term successful outcome. CONCLUSION: Treatment with this new fluoroquinolone offers promise for the improved outcome of patients with the serious infectious complication of infected lower extremity ulcerations in peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or both.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Effects of lower extremity joints' disease on lumbar surgical outcomes].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of lumber operation on patients with pathologic changes of the lumbar vertebrae combined with degenerative diseases of lower extremity joints. METHODS: 237 patients with pathologic changes of the lumbar vertebrae combined with pain and/or limited activity of hip or knee joint, 153 (64.56%) with degenerative knee joints and 84 (35.44%) with degenerative hip joints received lumbar surgery. 160 patients with lower extremity joint pain and negative physical examination and imagology before the surgery were used as controls. The joint pain value was assessed on all patients with Visual Analog Scale before and after treatment and the joint pain relief rate was calculated. RESULTS: The average pain relief rate of the control group was 90.54%, significantly higher than those of the degenerative knee joint group (55.20%) and the degenerative hip joint group (46.88%, both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Diseases of lower extremity joints influence the lumbar surgical outcomes. It is very important to make a definite diagnosis of the lower extremity joint pain pre-operationally and take appropriate measures to treat the pain according to its pathogenesis.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Lower extremity venous sonography in the high-risk cancer population: one leg or two?

OBJECTIVE: We correlated the diagnostic yield of unilateral and bilateral lower extremity venous sonograms in a high-risk cancer population with the clinical indication for the examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reports from 433 bilateral and 619 unilateral lower extremity Doppler sonograms obtained over an 18-month period in patients with cancer were retrospectively reviewed, and clinical indication and findings were determined. RESULTS: Overall, 228 (22%) of 1052 examinations revealed deep venous thrombosis (DVT): 83 (19%) of 433 bilateral and 145 (23%) of 619 unilateral. Among studies performed for unilateral symptoms (pain, edema, or postorthopedic procedure), 23% (135/581) of unilateral and 27% (44/162) of bilateral studies revealed DVT. Among these 44 bilateral studies with positive findings performed for unilateral symptoms, there were 30 DVT in the symptomatic side, 12 bilaterally, and two in the asymptomatic side alone. Ten percent (11/110) of the bilateral studies performed for bilateral symmetric symptoms revealed DVT. Among studies performed for bilateral asymmetric symptoms, 13% (1/8) of the unilateral and 8% (2/25) of the bilateral studies revealed DVT; both bilateral studies showed positive findings in the more symptomatic side. Among studies performed for suspected or proven pulmonary embolus, 20% (23/113) of bilateral and 54% (7/13) of unilateral studies had positive findings. CONCLUSION: In a high-risk cancer population, the incidence of DVT in patients with unilateral symptoms is more than twice that of patients with bilateral symptoms. Because DVT isolated to an asymptomatic lower extremity is rare (1%), bilateral sonographic examination is generally unnecessary with unilateral lower extremity symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

The effect of lower extremity fatigue on shock attenuation during single-leg landing.

BACKGROUND: The forces that are imposed on the body due to landings must be attenuated primarily in the lower extremity. Muscles assist in the absorption of these forces, and it has been shown that a fatigued muscle decreases the body's ability to attenuate shock from running. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of lower extremity fatigue on shock attenuation and joint mechanics during a single-leg drop landing. METHODS: Ten active male participants were recruited (eight used for analysis). Each participant took part in a fatigue landing protocol. This protocol included cycles of a drop landing, a maximal countermovement jump, and five squats, repeated until exhaustion. Accelerometers attached to the skin measured tibia and head accelerations. Lower extremity kinematics were collected using an electromagnetic tracking system and kinetics were collected using a forceplate. A repeated-measures ANOVA (P<0.05) was performed on each of the dependent variables across the cycles of the fatigue protocol. FINDINGS: Fatigue was induced, however there was no significant change in shock attenuation throughout the body. Hip and knee flexion increased and ankle plantarflexion decreased at touchdown with fatigue. Hip joint work increased and ankle work decreased. INTERPRETATION: This change in work distribution is thought to be a compensatory response to utilize the larger hip extensors that are better suited to absorb the mechanical energy of the impact. The results suggested that the lower extremity is able to adapt to fatigue though altering kinematics at impact and redistributing work to larger proximal muscles.

Acceleration↗

PubMed1999

Is thrombolysis of lower extremity acute arterial occlusion cost-effective?

BACKGROUND: The TOPAS (thrombolysis or peripheral artery surgery) trial randomized 544 patients with acute lower extremity ischemia to either surgery or thrombolysis. Although statistically equivalent 1-year morbidities and mortalities were demonstrated, the comparative cost-effectiveness of these two interventions has not been explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We constructed a Markov decision-analytic model to determine the cost-effectiveness of thrombolysis relative to surgery for a hypothetical cohort of patients with acute lower extremity arterial occlusion. Our measure of outcome was the cost-effectiveness ratio (CER), defined as the incremental lifetime cost per quality-adjusted life year gained. Estimates of 1-year outcomes were based on the TOPAS trial: mortality (lysis, 20%; surgery, 17%), amputation (lysis, 15%; surgery, 13%), the number of additional interventions required following the initial procedure (lysis, 544; surgery, 439). Procedural costs were estimated from the cost accounting system at the New York Presbyterian Hospital as well as from the literature. RESULTS: Operative intervention for acute lower extremity arterial occlusion extended life and was less costly compared to thrombolysis. The projected life expectancy for patients who underwent initial surgery was 5.04 years versus 4.75 years for initial thrombolysis. The lifetime costs were $57,429 for surgery versus $dollar;76,326 for thrombolysis. In performing sensitivity analyses, a threshold CER of $60,000 was considered what society would pay for accepted medical interventions. Thrombolysis became cost-effective if the 1-year mortality rate for lysis was lowered from 20 to 10.7%, if the amputation rate for lysis diminished from 15 to 3.9%, or if the 1-year cost of lysis could be reduced to a level below $13,000. CONCLUSIONS: Initial surgery provides the most efficient and economical utilization of resources for acute lower extremity arterial occlusion. The high cost of thrombolysis is related to the expense of the lytic agents, the need for subsequent interventions in patients treated with initial lysis, and the long-term costs of amputation in patients who fail lytic therapy.

Amputation, Surgical↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Scintigraphic imaging of lower-extremity acute venous thrombosis.

The need for a radiopharmaceutical that will yield a definitive diagnosis of acute venous thrombosis in the lower extremities is evident from (1) the current difficulty in making a diagnosis on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms alone; (2) the sometimes inadequate or less sensitive diagnosis made on the basis of contrast venography or ultrasound; and (3) the need to prevent pulmonary embolism, death, and other long-term sequelae that may result from undetected acute venous thrombosis. A new radiopharmaceutical was recently approved for use in the scintigraphic imaging of acute venous thrombosis in the lower extremities of patients who have signs and symptoms of acute venous thrombosis. This radiopharmaceutical (ACUTECT) is a complex of the small synthetic peptide apcitide and the radionuclide technetium (Tc) 99m (99mTc-apcitide). Apcitide binds to glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors, which are expressed on the surface of activated platelets, making the radiopharmaceutical specific for acute, not chronic, thrombi. 99mTc-Apcitide allows accurate imaging of the entire lower extremities, including the calf. It has an excellent safety profile, is easy to administer by injection into an antecubital vein, and allows early imaging of acute deep-vein thrombosis (10 to 60 minutes postinjection). 99mTc-Apcitide may be used as an alternative to contrast venography and a complement to ultrasonography in the detection of acute venous thrombosis in the lower extremities.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2006

[Application of 16-slice spiral CT in lower extremity arterial occlusive diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of 16-slice spiral CT in assessing the lower extremity arterial occlusive diseases. METHODS: Thirty patients with suspected peripheral arterial occlusive diseases underwent 16-slice spiral CT angiography (CTA) of lower extremity arteries. All these patients also underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) two weeks before or after CTA. CT angiograms were produced using maximal intensity projection, volume rendering technique, and curved planar reconstruction. Using DSA as the standard reference, the diagnostic accuracy of CTA was determined. RESULTS: When detecting segments with > or = 50% stenosis, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of CTA were 94.3% (115/122), 98.4% (548/557), 97.6% (663/679), 92.7% (115/124), and 98.7% (548/555), respectively. CONCLUSION: 16-slice spiral CT has high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detecting lower extremity arterial occlusive diseases and may partially substitute DSA examinations.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Functional status of persons with diabetes-related lower-extremity amputations.

OBJECTIVE: It is reasonable to predict that diabetes-related lower-extremity amputations have a detrimental impact on quality of life. However, we are unaware of any study in the medical literature describing the functional level of diabetic patients with amputations. The objective of this study was to evaluate amputations among diabetic patients and to determine the functional level of these patients with the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We enrolled 124 patients with diabetes. Case subjects (n = 35) were defined as patients who had undergone amputation of the lower-extremity, and control subjects (n = 89) were defined as patients who had not undergone amputation. Study participants received a standard history and physical examination. RESULTS: Both the physical dimension scores (33.5 +/- 14.9 vs. 22.3 +/- 14.7, P < 0.001) and the total SIP scores (27.6 +/- 9.9 vs. 22.5 +/- 10.3, P = 0.013) were significantly higher for amputees. However, the psychosocial dimension scores were not significantly different between case and control subjects (14.9 +/- 8.9 vs. 15.2 +/- 10.0, P > 0.05). Post hoc analysis showed that the group of patients who had undergone transtibial amputation had a significantly higher total impairment score than patients who had not undergone amputation (P = 0.039). This is in contrast to patients with toe or midfoot amputations, for whom total impairment scores were not significantly higher than those for the control subjects. Interestingly, bilateral amputees did not have significantly higher scores on either SIP dimension compared with unilateral amputees. CONCLUSIONS: These findings exemplify the detrimental physical and psychosocial health status of patients with diabetes-related lower-extremity amputation.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2004

Inferior vena cava filters prevent pulmonary emboli in patients with metastatic pathologic fractures of the lower extremity.

The records of 47 consecutive patients with metastatic pathologic fractures of the lower extremity were analyzed with respect to thromboembolic complications. All patients were unable to receive pharmacologic deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, and were stratified into two groups, based on use of an inferior vena cava filter. Group I (n = 24) consisted of patients who had an inferior vena cava filter plus mechanical deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis (compression stockings and sequential compression boots); Group II (n = 23) consisted of a group of patients receiving only mechanical deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. All patients had routine lower extremity venous duplex imaging preoperatively, postoperatively, and before hospital discharge. At final followup, patients were examined for deep venous thrombosis and reviewed for thromboembolic events. At a mean followup of 11.5 months, Group I had two detectable deep venous thromboses and no pulmonary emboli; Group II had one detectable deep venous thrombosis and five pulmonary embolisms. In Group II, 40% (two of five) of pulmonary embolisms were fatal, yielding an 8.7% (two of 23) group mortality rate. Overall, the entire group had an approximately 17% deep venous thrombosis rate. Only 6.4% (three of 47) of deep venous thromboses were detectable by standard duplex imaging. The majority of deep venous thromboses (five of eight, 62.5%) were nondetectable by duplex imaging. Overall, a 4.3% (two of 47) death rate was attributable to pulmonary embolism. In contrast, an 8.6% (four of 47) mortality rate occurred in Group II alone. All pulmonary embolisms occurred in patients who did not receive an inferior vena cava filter. The majority of venous thromboses (62.5%) were not detectable on duplex scanning, therefore were thought to arise from the pelvic venous system. Complications related to inferior vena cava filter insertion were minimal. For patients with metastatic pathologic fractures of the lower extremities who are unable to receive pharmacologic deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, the use of inferior vena cava filters, in conjunction with standard mechanical deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, is a procedure that has a low risk and is useful adjunct to prevent fatal pulmonary embolisms.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Three-dimensional analysis of the skeleton of the lower extremities with 3D-precision radiography.

A tool is presented to assess the lower extremities using linear and angular measurements under full weight-bearing in three dimensions. While the patient is standing on both legs in a frame representing a calibrated three-dimensional (3D) space, standard radiographs of the hips (anteroposterior view, AP) as well as of the knees (AP and lateral views) are taken. The coordinates for localisation of the malleoli are determined clinically in respect to the coordinate system of the 3D space. Characteristic landmarks are digitized on the calibrated radiographic films, and the so determined coordinates of the malleoli are fed into the computer together with the femoral anteversion, which is ascertained from an additional Dunn-Rippstein II view. All angles of the lower extremities in the frontal or sagittal planes as well as torsions are measured with an error of less than +/- 5 degrees and the lengths, with an error of less than 5 mm. The data are presented in a stick figure diagram and listed in a table. With this device, it is possible to determine simultaneously the angular values and bone lengths under full weight-bearing. The method has proved its value for planning corrective surgery of complex bony deformities of the lower extremities. An accuracy evaluation is reported which includes intra- and interobserver reliability of results.

Adult↗

PubMed1977

Fifteen year experience with subcutaneous bypass grafts for lower extremity ischemia.

A 15-year experience with 92 subcutaneous arterial bypass grafts for lower extremity revascularization has been reviewed. Fifty-nine AF and 33 FF bypass operations were performed on 89 patients whose average age was 66 years. The overall five-year survival was 33% compared to an expected survival of 80%. 88% of the AF, and 76% of the FF operations were performed for limb salvage, bypass of an aortic aneurysm, or replacement of an infected aortic graft. The remainder were performed for intermittent claudication on patients who were too ill to withstand an intra-abdominal operation. 75% of the patients with AF grafts and 64% of those with FF grafts experienced complete relief of lower extremity ischemia, including all of the patients with claudication. Graft patency was analyzed by the life table method. In the FF series, 74% of the grafts remained patent for one year; 73% for two years; 66% for three years; and 53% for four years. A 50% incidence of thrombosis occurred at the end of two years in the AF group. The patency rate of the AF grafts was also studied with regard to the type of graft material employed: a 50% incidence of thrombosis was reached at 36 months with knitted Dacron; at 18 months with weave-knit Dacron; and at 9 months with woven Dacron. THESE DATA INDICATE THAT: (1) contrary to our previous report, weave-grafts provide adequate blood flow to the lower extremities but do not remain patent as long as more conventional types of reconstruction; (2) subcutaneous grafts should be performed only when an intra-abdominal procedure is contraindicated or life expectancy is limited.

Aged↗