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At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Endovascular caval interruption in pregnant patients with deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity.

PURPOSE: The choice of therapy for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity during pregnancy has been widely debated. Warfarin passes through the placenta to the fetus and may cause fetal complications and/or death. Heparin, in contrast, does not cross the placenta, but its long-term use may be impractical and may increase the risk of bleeding, osteoporosis, and neurologic complications. The use of inferior vena cava filters in pregnancy has only been described as case reports in the English medical literature; therefore, this study reviews our experience on this subject. METHODS: We analyzed 18 pregnant patients who had Greenfield filters (GFs) inserted for DVT of the lower extremity, pulmonary embolism (PE), or both. The DVT diagnosis was made by means of duplex imaging. Conventional full-dose intravenous heparin was initiated until the filter was inserted, followed by subcutaneous heparin until labor, and continued for 6 weeks postpartum in 13 patients who were breast-feeding. Warfarin was given postpartum in the other five patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 25 years. The indications for GF insertion included 3 patients who had a PE while on anticoagulation, 2 patients with significant bleeding caused by anticoagulation, 4 patients with free-floating iliofemoral DVT, 2 patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and 7 patients with iliofemoropopliteal DVT occurring 1 to 3 weeks before labor, for prophylactic reasons. Fourteen of 18 cases were diagnosed in the third trimester of the patient's pregnancy. Filters were inserted via the right internal jugular vein by means of a cut-down technique in the first four patients (stainless steel filters) and percutaneously in 14 patients. The mean fluoroscopy time during filter insertion was less than 2 minutes. There was no fetal or maternal morbidity or mortality. During long-term follow-up (mean, 78 months), no PE or filter-related complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: GF insertion in pregnant patients with DVT of the lower extremity is safe and effective. Its prophylactic use in pregnant patients who have extensive iliofemoral DVT right before labor may be justified.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Postural sway characteristics in women with lower extremity arthritis before and after an aquatic exercise intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the reliability of postural sway assessment in women with lower extremity arthritis and to ascertain the effects of an aquatic exercise intervention program on these measures. DESIGN: The reliability of postural sway measures was analyzed by within-subjects (Subject times Trial) analysis of variance (ANOVA). The effects of aquatic exercise were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using a planned comparison approach with an independent 2 x 2 (Group times Test) design. SETTING: Testing in a motor control research laboratory; aquatic exercise in a warm water pool at an area YMCA. PARTICIPANTS: Volunteer sample, 24 women with lower extremity arthritis (rheumatoid [RA] n = 11, osteo [OA] n = 13) randomly assigned into an aquatic exercise group (n = 14) or control group (n = 10). INTERVENTION: Postural sway measures under a two-legged stance test on two separate test days: day 1, pretest; day 2, posttest, administered after a 6-week aquatic exercise program. RESULTS: Reliability correlation coefficients for postural sway measures ranged from .64 to .94 for both subject groups. Aquatic exercise subjects significantly reduced lateral sway and total sway area scores (by 18% to 30%) under both visual conditions after the 6-week intervention. Postural sway scores were significantly higher under the no-vision condition than under the vision condition in each group for both test sessions. Both OA and RA groups had normal sagittal/lateral ratio scores. CONCLUSION: Women with lower extremity arthritis can be reliably assessed on postural sway measures on a stable two-legged stance test. Although they had normal sagittal/lateral sway ratio scores (ie, scores typical for nonarthritic peers), vision played an important role in their postural stability for this balance task. Aquatic exercise reduced postural sway in women with lower extremity arthritis, as demonstrated by a two-legged stance test, and this exercise program appears to be a viable treatment for increasing postural stability in this population.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2005

Cortical reorganization associated lower extremity motor recovery as evidenced by functional MRI and diffusion tensor tractography in a stroke patient.

PURPOSE: Recovery mechanisms supporting upper extremity motor recovery following stroke are well established, but cortical mechanism associated with lower extremity motor recovery is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess cortical reorganization associated with lower extremity motor recovery in a hemiparetic patient. METHODS: Six control subjects and a 17 year-old woman with left intracerebral hemorrhage due to an arterio-venous malformation rupture were evaluated. The motor function of the paretic (left) hip and knee had recovered slowly to the extent of her being able to overcome gravity for 10 months after the onset of stroke. However, her paretic upper extremity showed no significant motor recovery. Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI at 1.5 Tesla was used to determine the acutual location of cortical activation in the predefined regions of interest. Concurrently, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in combination with a novel 3D-fiber reconstruction algorithm was utilized to investigate the pattern of the corticospinal pathway connectivity between the areas of the motor stream. All subjects' body parts were secured in the scanner and performed a sequential knee flexion-extension with a predetermined angle of 0-60 degrees at 0.5 Hz. RESULTS: Controls showed anticipated activation in the contralateral sensorimotor cortex (SM1) and the descending corticospinal fibers stemming from motor cortex. In contrast to control normal subjects, the stroke patient showed fMRI activation only in the unaffected (right) primary SM1 during either paretic or nonparetic knee movements. DTT fiber tracing data showed that the corticospinal tract fibers were found only in the unaffected hemisphere but not in the affected hemisphere. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that an ipsilateral motor pathway from the unaffected (right) motor cortex to the paretic (right) leg was present in this patient. This study raises the potential that the contralesional (ipsilateral) SM1 is involved in cortical reorganization associated lower extremity motor recovery in stroke. This study is the first neuroimaging evidence that the combined fMRI and DTI fiber tracing can significantly expand the explanatory power of probing cortical reorganization underlying motor recovery mechanism in stroke.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Free multiple flaps of lower extremity for severely burned hand reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the free multiple flaps of lower extremity based on the anterior tibital vascular pedicle for primary repair of the complex burned hand deformities. METHODS: From September 2000 to February 2003, the lateral leg flap, dosalis pedis flap and trimmed first toe based on the anterior tibial vascular pedicle were utilized to reconstruct the thumb and repair the first web, thenar, wrist or palmar scar contracture simultaneously in 6 patients. The flap size of lateral leg and dosalis pedis ranged from 4 cm x 10 cm to 7 cm x 10 cm and from 5 cm x 10 cm to 9 cm x 12 cm, respectively. RESULTS: Six cases were treated and followed up for 6 weeks to 1 year. The transplanted flaps survived with satisfactory recovery in function and appearance of the burned hand. The function of donor lower extremity was not damaged. CONCLUSION: The procedure of the free multiple flaps of lower extremity based on the anterior tibial vascular pedicle is reliable and effective for primary repair of burned hand.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sonography and venography of the lower extremities for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis in symptomatic patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of sonography and the frequency of indeterminate sonographic examinations in the evaluation of patients with suspected lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We prospectively evaluated 136 symptomatic patients (157 extremities) with suspected DVT using sonography and contrast-enhanced venography (n=106 patients, 115 extremities). Using venography as the reference standard for diagnosing DVT, the sensitivity and specificity of sonography was 92.8% and 98%, respectively, yielding an accuracy of 96.8%. The frequency of indeterminate examinations for calf DVT was 32.4%. One (0.7%) fatal pulmonary embolus occurred in our patients. The pulmonary embolism (PE) rate was 1.6% after lower extremity sonography with negative results. Sonography is highly accurate in detecting lower extremity DVT in symptomatic patients. Because of the high frequency of indeterminate studies in the calf and the associated possible risk of pulmonary emboli, we urge radiologists exercise additional caution when evaluating symptomatic patients with clinically suspected lower extremity DVT.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Distal lower extremity arteries: evaluation with two-dimensional MR digital subtraction angiography.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that magnetic resonance (MR) digital subtraction angiography is superior to two-dimensional time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography for demonstration of patent arteries in the distal lower extremity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven lower extremities in 23 consecutive patients were imaged with two-dimensional TOF MR angiography and two-dimensional MR digital subtraction angiography. Images were interpreted in a randomized and blinded manner. Each lower extremity was subdivided into seven potential arterial segments. The number of digital arteries visualized was also determined. Overall image quality of MR digital subtraction and TOF angiograms was compared. The relative ability of MR digital subtraction angiography and TOF MR angiography to demonstrate patent arterial segments was assessed. RESULTS: MR digital subtraction angiography was significantly superior to TOF MR angiography for demonstration of patent arterial segments and digital arteries (P < .001). MR digital subtraction angiographic images were qualitatively superior to TOF images (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Two-dimensional MR digital subtraction angiography is superior to two-dimensional TOF MR angiography for help in identifying patent segments in the distal lower extremity.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Use of the argon and carbon dioxide lasers for treatment of superficial venous varicosities of the lower extremity.

Superficial telangiectasia of the lower extremity in 38 patients was treated with both argon and CO2 lasers. Results after five months revealed no change or worsening of the veins in 49% of the patients and good to excellent improvement or segmentation in 16% of the patients. The most common complication was brown hemosiderin bruising in almost half of the patients.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A prospective comparison of pedal ergometry with conventional treadmill testing in the investigation of lower extremity pain.

BACKGROUND: Investigation of lower extremity pain is compromised by comorbid disorders that may interfere with conventional testing. AIMS: To compare pedal ergometry with conventional treadmill testing. METHODS: A prospective study was performed where patients presenting with a diagnosis of intermittent claudication were assessed by both methods of testing. RESULTS: Of 78 patients studied with both tests, no exercise-induced ankle pressure changes occurred in 26, two were unable to complete either test despite normal pressure measurements, while 24 had exercise-induced pressure drop detected by both tests. Of patients who completed pedal ergometry, 21 were unable to complete the treadmill test, 14 of whom had negative ergometry, while seven had a pressure drop detected by pedal ergometry. Three had pressure changes with pedal ergometry, but not with treadmill testing and two had pressure changes on the treadmill not reproduced by pedal ergometry. CONCLUSIONS: Pedal ergometer is more sensitive than treadmill testing in detecting arterial insufficiency, as indicated by a 20% or greater fall in ankle pressure, and more suitable in a subgroup of patients unable to tolerate conventional treadmill testing.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hydrofluoric acid burns of the lower extremity.

Chemical burns to the lower extremity can be disabling and of serious consequence if not managed properly. The severity and rapid onset of the burns caused by hydrofluoric acid after initial contact make this a highly dangerous substance. The potential severity of injury and the following complications make it a chemical of which all physicians should have a basic understanding.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1996

Stress fractures of the sacrum and lower extremity.

Stress fractures of the lower extremity and sacrum occur in a variety of patients, ranging from young, healthy athletes to elderly persons with underlying illnesses. Knowledge of the activities and risk factors associated with these fractures may heighten clinical suspicion and help direct an appropriate evaluation. Diagnosis is usually based on characteristic features of the history and physical examination accompanied by radiologic findings. Bone scintigraphy remains the standard, but the specificity of computed tomography scanning or magnetic resonance imaging may be required to differentiate stress fractures from other processes such as malignant bone lesions. Management of stress fractures is usually conservative, with variation depending on fracture location and patient characteristics.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Rotational deformities in the lower extremities.

Rotational abnormalities of the lower extremities remain a significant complaint among parents of pediatric patients. Intoeing can result from metatarsus adductus, internal tibial torsion, or femoral anteversion. Rarely is orthopedic treatment necessary. Current recommendations regarding the treatment of intoeing are given.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1979

Computed tomography of lower extremity tumors.

Fifty cases of lower extremity tumors examined with computed tomography were reviewed. Of the 50 cases, 41 had gross pathologic correlation, either by enbloc resection (26) or by amputation (15). Important information regarding size, location, definition, and anatomic relation of tumors to vital structures (neural, vascular, and osseous) may be ascertained by this means with great accuracy. Localization of vessels by intravenous infusion of contrast material during the scan, or after arteriography with intraarterial contrast infusion, is found to enhance such evaluation. This information is particularly important where the feasibility of en-bloc resection is being evaluated.

Femoral Neoplasms↗
PubMed1997

Lower extremity macrovascular disease in diabetes.

Lower extremity macrovascular disease is more common and progresses more rapidly in the presence of diabetes and has a characteristic peritibial distribution with sparing of the foot arteries. The biology of the diabetic foot is compromised, thereby making it more susceptible to injury. Hence, compromises in perfusion have a greater significance, warranting an aggressive approach to revascularization.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗
PubMed2000

Postoperative management of lower extremity amputation.

Postoperative management of lower extremity amputation continues to evolve with advances in prosthetic technology, surgical technique, and rehabilitation considerations. Almost 50 years ago, the first immediate postoperative prosthesis was conceived, and has been used since with varying degrees of success. More recently, use of the removable rigid dressing combined with aggressive physical therapy has been found to be a safe and cost-effective method of treatment for the new amputee.

Amputation, Surgical↗
PubMed1992

Salvage of the massively traumatized lower extremity.

The prognosis of massive lower extremity injuries has been significantly altered by improved free flap success rates and a better appreciation for the need to perform an early aggressive debridement and reconstruction. Although some successes may be spectacular, many functional failures have been observed despite successful flap transfer. Reflections on the emerging principles and the lessons learned from the past decade of heroic efforts spent treating these injuries will reveal methods that may decrease the number of functional failures. These methods were observed by comparing the functional results of tibial reconstruction patients versus foot resurfacing procedures.

Foot↗