SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Lower limb”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Sitting balance I: trunk-arm coordination and the contribution of the lower limbs during self-paced reaching in sitting.

The effects of reach distance and type of task on the functional relationship between the trunk, upper limb segments and the lower limbs during self-paced reaching in sitting were examined. Two-dimensional kinematic, kinetic and electromyography (EMG) data were collected as six healthy subjects reached forward under three distance (60, 100, 140% arm's length) and two task (reaching to press a switch, reaching to grasp a glass) conditions. The results demonstrate that type of task affected primarily the temporal aspects of coordination, with the grasp task taking consistently longer than the press task. In contrast, reach distance affected both the spatio-temporal aspects of coordination between the trunk and arm segments and the active contribution of the lower limbs. As reach distance increased, the magnitude of trunk and upper-arm segmental motion increased, whereas forearm segmental motion decreased. However, at each reach distance the path of the hand was relatively straight and there was remarkable consistency in the relationship between trunk and arm segments both within and between subjects suggesting that despite the presence of redundant degrees of freedom, the individual uses a parsimonious coordinative pattern. The vertical ground reaction force (GRF) and EMG data demonstrated that the lower limbs actively contributed to support the body mass when the object was located at 140% arm's length.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Incidence of phantom phenomena including phantom limb pain 6 months after major lower limb amputation in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

OBJECTIVES: Contentions exist regarding the true incidence of phantom limb pain (PLP) and other associated post-amputation phenomena. Recognizing and understanding these phenomena would assist in the rehabilitation of amputees. This study was designed to investigate all post-amputation phenomena in a homogenous group of amputees. METHODS: Prospective amputees were recruited prior to amputation of a lower limb due to peripheral vascular disease. All survivors were followed 6 months after surgery and interviewed to identify post-amputation phenomena, including phantom sensations, PLP, and stump pain. RESULTS: Sixty amputees were recruited and 52 survived until the 6-month interview. Phantom sensations were universal, and aspects of the non-painful phenomena, including kinetic, kinesthetic, and exteroceptive components, were identified at varying rates within the sample. PLP was found in 78.8% of the survivors, and 51.2% had stump pain. Super-added phenomena occurred in 15.4%. Links were found between PLP and stump pain (P=0.01) and PLP and the ability to move the phantom (P=0.01). No link was found between PLP and telescoping of the phantom (P=0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Phantom phenomena are associated with many myths. This study starts to unravel myth from fact, but further study is required before this enigmatic condition and its influence on rehabilitation are fully understood.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

[The surgical treatment of acute ischemia of the lower limb].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the surgical treatment strategy of lower limb acute ischemia and its results in the Department of Vascular Surgery of Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital in the period from 1999 to 2001. MATERIAL AND METHODS: While collecting the data retrospectively there has been determined, that due to the acute ischemia of the limbs there have been operated 244 patients (12.2% of all treated arterial patients). Because of the lower limb acute ischemia there have been operated 142 (7.1%) patients. All embolism and thrombosis have been approved with the operation findings. The comparison of quantitative values was done according to the Student parameter. RESULTS: The acute ischemia in the leg has been caused by: embolism - for 76 (53.5%) patients, acute thrombosis - for 66 (46.5%). Heart diseases have been ascertained in embolism group for 22.4% of patients, in acute thrombosis group - for 6.1%. The localities of embolism - the popliteal artery for 44.7% and femoral artery for 32.9%, acute thrombosis - in the femoral artery for 37.9% and iliac artery for 22.7%. Men experience the acute thrombosis more often (3.5:1), p<0.0001, and women - embolism (2.5:1), p<0.0001. Embolism has been treated with embolectomy, and acute thrombosis with thrombectomy, thrombendarterectomy and the bypass operations. There have been made 4.9% of great amputations, rescued 96.1% of lower limbs with the features of acute ischemia. Total death rate - 4.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The acute ischemia in the leg because of embolism was for 76 patients, the acute thrombosis - for 66 patients. Lower limbs embolism of arteries is more common for women, p<0.0001, acute thrombosis for men, p<0.0001. The death rate is higher in women group with acute ischemia than men, (p=0.1198) and in men group with acute ischemia in the lower limb there are made more great amputations (p=0.04250).

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2005

The effect of intermittent pneumatic compression on the bone uptake of (99m)Tc-labelled methylene diphosphonate in the lower limb.

INTRODUCTION: Venous compression of the lower limbs will obstruct outflow through the deep and superficial veins, yet inflow will continue, without continual swelling of the limb. It is hypothesised that venous channels in the long bones act as collateral channels to restore outflow, and therefore general blood flow through bone will increase. Such a hemodynamic change should affect the uptake of radiopharmaceuticals by the bone, though uptake changes in themselves would not definitely indicate flow changes. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine whether bone uptake in the lower limb is affected by intermittent venous compression, irrespective of the mechanism involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of intermittent pneumatic compression of the thigh and calf on the uptake of (99m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) was studied in 24 patients. All were undergoing routine bone imaging for medical conditions that were not focused on their lower limbs, and received 1 h of the therapy at 60 mmHg on one limb only, after injection of the radiopharmaceutical. Three hours after injection the relative difference in uptake (net counts per pixel) between the two limbs was calculated. The standard imaging protocol was otherwise unchanged. RESULTS: The median differences in uptake in the intermittently compressed limb compared with the contralateral limb were +7.6% (interquartile range +3.9% to +16.0%, p<0.0005 [Wilcoxon]) for the anterior aspect of the femur; +11.7% (interquartile range +4.3% to +22.2%, p<0.0005) posterior, femur; +10.5% (interquartile range +6.5% to +13.8%, p<0.0005) anterior, tibia; +10.6% (interquartile range +5.5% to +17.6%, p<0.0005) posterior, tibia. CONCLUSION: Intermittent pneumatic compression clearly and significantly increased the uptake of (99m)Tc-MDP in long bones. These data are consistent with increases in blood flow through bone, though a direct mechanical influence on the bone cannot be excluded. This effect should be given consideration during routine therapeutic and thromboprophylactic use of intermittent compression, and if the mechanism of the uptake changes can be established, their possible clinical uses should be investigated.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Is a general pharmacologic thromboembolism prophylaxis necessary in ambulatory treatment by plaster cast immobilization in lower limb injuries?].

Selected patients with minor lower limb injuries and low risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), who required cast immobilizing and did not receive medical thrombosis prophylaxis, were included in a prospective study. The decision to give not medical thrombosis prophylaxis depended on an concept of individualised prophylaxis for patients at risk for thromboembolism. From March 1994 to March 1996 in 178 outpatients (118 men, 60 women, mean age 25.8 [16-39] years) a clinical examination and a colour-coded duplex sonography were performed after removal of the cast for detection of DVT of the lower limb. A phlebography was performed when thrombosis was suspected. Two patients developed a one bundle thrombosis of the calf. Clinical appearance of lung embolism was not observed. These results suggest, that low risk patients with minor injuries of the lower limb and plaster cast immobilisation do not need a medical thrombosis prophylaxis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Epidemiology of lower limb fractures in general practice in the United Kingdom.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of lower limb fractures in the United Kingdom and assess the relative importance of various risk factors for lower limb fractures. DESIGN: Cohort analysis and matched case-control study. SETTING: General practices contributing information to the General Practice Research Database. SUBJECTS: Individuals registered with these general practices who were at risk for a first time lower limb fracture from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2001. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age, sex, and fracture site specific incidence rates; relative risks and population attributable risks for various medical risk factors. RESULTS: Overall, the risk of lower limb fracture was 17% higher in women then in men. Within age groups, men and women had generally similar proportions of fractures at specific sites in the lower limb. Among the risk factors evaluated, road collisions were associated with the highest relative risk for lower limb fracture, but only accounted for 3.1% or less of the population attributable risk for specific fracture types in any age group. The relative risk for lower limb fracture associated with a diagnosis of dementia was 2.3 (95% confidence interval 2.0 to 2.6), while relative risk estimates for other medical diagnoses were less than 2. Fracture risk was increased among current users of corticosteroids, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and hypnotic/sedatives, but the population attributable risks for each of these drug classes within fracture and age specific strata were only 3.0% or less. CONCLUSIONS: Many risk factors for lower limb fracture have been identified, but population attributable risk estimates for various risk factors are small. These findings suggest that multifactorial prevention programs are needed to decrease the incidence of lower limb fractures in the general population.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Lower limb skeletal muscle mass: development of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry prediction model.

Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately measure lower limb skeletal muscle (SM) mass, this method is complex and costly. A potential practical alternative is to estimate lower limb SM with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The aim of the present study was to develop and validate DXA-SM prediction equations. Identical landmarks (i.e., inferior border of the ischial tuberosity) were selected for separating lower limb from trunk. Lower limb SM was measured by MRI, and lower limb fat-free soft tissue was measured by DXA. A total of 207 adults (104 men and 103 women) were evaluated [age 43 +/- 16 (SD) yr, body mass index (BMI) 24.6 +/- 3.7 kg/m(2)]. Strong correlations were observed between lower limb SM and lower limb fat-free soft tissue (R(2) = 0.89, P < 0.001); age and BMI were small but significant SM predictor variables. In the cross-validation sample, the differences between MRI-measured and DXA-predicted SM mass were small (-0.006 +/- 1.07 and -0.016 +/- 1.05 kg) for two different proposed prediction equations, one with fat-free soft tissue and the other with added age and BMI as predictor variables. DXA-measured lower limb fat-free soft tissue, along with other easily acquired measures, can be used to reliably predict lower limb skeletal muscle mass.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2005

Upper and lower limb muscle power relationships in mobility-limited older adults.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb muscle power impairments are modifiable factors underlying mobility limitations in older adults. This study examined relationships between upper and lower limb muscle power and their role in predicting mobility performance among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted. Participants included 37 mobility-limited adults (24 women, 13 men), aged 65 to 93 years. Measures included upper (elbow extension) and lower limb (double leg press) one repetition maximum (1RM), and muscle power at both 40% and 70% one repetition maximum. Physical performance measures included stair climb time, the Short Physical Performance Battery, and 4-meter walk time. Factors commonly mediating the relationship between impairments and physical performance were analyzed as covariates. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 76 years, had five chronic medical conditions, and manifested moderate mobility limitations. Although the associations between the upper and lower limbs were strong (p <.001), the magnitude of association was greater for power (r =.88-.89) as compared to strength (r =.69). Multivariate regression analyses revealed consistently strong relationships between limb muscle power and mobility performance measures. Substituting upper for lower limb power within these models did not materially weaken the relationships. CONCLUSION: Muscle power appears to be a more generalized attribute between the upper and lower limbs than is muscle strength, suggesting that mechanisms underlying velocity of movement, as opposed to force production, may be important factors underlying muscle power in elderly persons. Additionally, upper limb muscle power measures may serve as a useful surrogate measure of limb power having implications for clinicians and researchers.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

[A clinical study on implantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells after bone marrow stimulation for treatment of lower limb ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficiency of the implantation of the autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells for treatment of lower limb ischemia after the bone marrow stimulation. METHODS: From May to December 2005, 43 ischemic limbs in 35 patients (23 males, 12 females; aged 34-90 years,averaged 71.3 year) were treated. Of the 35 patients, 30 had diabetic lower limb ischemia with 38 lower ischemic limbs, 2 had atherosclerosis obliterans with 2 ischemic lower limbs, and 3 had thromboangiitis obliterans with 3 ischemic lower limbs. Five patients with 5 ischemic limbs were in stage I lower limb ischemia (intermittent claudication), 15 patients with ischemic 19 limbs were in stage II (rest pain), 9 patients with 12 ischemic limbs were in stage IIIa (ulceration), and 6 patients with 7 ischemic lower limbs in stage IIIb (gangrene); 88.4% of all the ischemic lower limbs (38/43)had a pain, 79.1% (34/ 43) had coldness, and 69.8% (30/43) had limb numbness. The bone marrow of each patient was stimulated by an injection of the recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulatory factor (GSF), 300 microg/d for 2-3 days. The bone marrow 130-200 ml was drawn from the iliac spine and the mononuclear cells were obtained. Each patient received implantation of the autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells by an intramuscular injection, an arterial intraluminal injection or a combined injection of the two routes. RESULTS: The pain relief was found in 94.7% of the ischemic lower limbs, and pain improvement in 97.1% . Relieved numbness was found in 93.3%. The distance of the claudication was increased by all the ischemic limbs. An increase in the ankle/ brachial index (ABI) was found in 47.9%. The transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) increased in 92.3%. The ulcer heal rate was 9.1% (1/11). Markedly-reduced ulcer wound was found in 27.3% (3/11). The amputation rate was 6.3% (3/48). Arterial angiography revealed that there was a new collateral vessel formation in 91.2%. Complications were as follows: fever and mild fatigue developed respectively in 1 patient after the bone marrow stimulation, but relieved by themselves. Acute but mild myocardial infarction was found in 1 patient with a slight precordial pain and elevation of myocardial enzymes 1 week after transplantation of the bone marrow mononuclear cells, but recovered after medical treatment. The follow-up averaged 5 months. According to the subjective criteria, the overall efficacy was 90%. ABI increased in 62.5% of the patients after operation and the value of TcPO2 was higher in 90% of the patients after this kind of therapy. Arterial angiography revealed a new collateral vessel formation in 90.5% of the 21 ischemic limbs. The foot ulcer healed in 7 and obviously improved in 3. Three of the foot ulcer patients were discharged 2-3 months after the amputation was performed on the diseased toes. CONCLUSION: Implantation of the autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells after the bone marrow stimulation of treatment of the lower limb ischemia has advantages of less marrow aspiration, more mononuclear cell content, satisfactory short-term effect, and relatively high safety. It is a new method of treating the lower limb ischemia besides the autologous bone marrow and peripheral blood mononuclear cell implantation. The long-term effect of this method needs a further study.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Imaging of the lower limb veins: when and how?].

Evaluation for possible lower limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a very frequently requested examination. In France, imaging diagnosis is essentially based on complete Doppler sonographic evaluation of both lower limbs. In patients with no co-morbid condition, the D-dimer assay is useful to exclude the possibility of DVT. A positive diagnosis of DVT is based on the lack of venous compressibility and abnormal Doppler signal. The diagnostic accuracy relies on adequate knowledge of vascular anatomy and sufficient training, especially at the calf level. For experienced sonographers, the accuracy is similar at the thigh and calf level. In patients with suspected pulmonary embolus, evaluation of the lower extremity veins is mandatory and frequently performed with CT immediately following CT pulmonary angiography. However, this examination has not been validated yet.

Diagnostic Imaging↗

PubMed2003

Is the Rivermead Mobility Index appropriate to measure mobility in lower limb amputees?

PURPOSE: Measurement of lower limb amputee mobility was investigated using the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI). METHOD: Reliability and reproducibility were assessed in 62 patients. The timed waking test (TWT) was used to investigate concurrent validity. The RMI construct was examined in 200 established amputees. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four males and 66 females, aged 13-90 were recruited. Intraclass correlation coefficients and kappa statistics showed good reproducibility. Spearman correlation coefficient between the RMI and TWT -0.58 (p<0.000). Psychometric properties of the RMI were tested using item response theory. Hierachical differences in RMI grades were identified in amputees compared with neurologically impaired patients for which the RMI was developed. The RMI construct was not unidimensional, with redundancy of items and local dependency. At the upper end of the scale there were insufficient items measuring high levels of mobility. Finally, differential item functioning showed items behaving differently for patient subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Although initial impressions suggest the RMI is a useful measure of lower limb amputee mobility, further analysis shows it is not appropriate for all amputees, with a number of limitations of its psychometric properties. Its use is not recommended in this population.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2003

Differential diagnosis, investigation, and current treatment of lower limb lymphedema.

HYPOTHESIS: The causes and management of lower limb lymphedema in the Western population are different from those in the developing world. OBJECTIVE: To look at the differential diagnosis, methods of investigation, and available treatments for lower limb lymphedema in the West. DATA SOURCE: A PubMed search was conducted for the years 1980-2002 with the keyword "lymphedema." English language and human subject abstracts only were analyzed, and only those articles dealing with lower limb lymphedema were further reviewed. Other articles were extracted from cross-referencing. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty-five review articles pertaining to lymphedema were initially examined. This review summarizes the findings of relevant articles along with our own practice regarding the management of lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS: The common differential diagnosis in Western patients with lower limb swelling is secondary lymphedema, venous disease, lipedema, and adverse reaction to ipsilateral limb surgery. Lymphedema can be confirmed by a lymphoscintigram, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound. The lymphatic anatomy is demonstrated with lymphoscintigraphy, which is particularly indicated if surgical intervention is being considered. The treatment of choice for lymphedema is multidisciplinary. In the first instance, combined physical therapy should be commenced (complete decongestive therapy), with surgery reserved for a small number of cases.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed2004

[How frequent are diabetes-related amputations of the lower limbs in Germany? An analysis on the basis of routine data].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The total number of lower limb amputations in Germany as well as the frequency of lower limb amputations attributable to diabetes is unknown. Currently available estimates are based on regional studies resulting in different totals. The aim of this study was to perform a census of all lower limb amputations in Germany in order to obtain valid estimates of the number of amputations attributable to diabetes mellitus in Germany. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hospital performance and expenditure statistics were used to obtain a comprehensive count of lower limb amputations. The number of amputations in diabetic patients as well as the number of diabetes-related amputations were assessed by calculating the proportion of diabetes among amputees as well as attributable amputations standardized to the age and gender distribution in Germany in 2001, using routine data from the Local Health Insurance Funds (AOK) as well as previous analyses from Germany. RESULTS: In 2001, 43,544 lower limb amputations and additional 3,981 revisions of amputations were performed in Germany. Among these almost 29,000 lower limb amputations were estimated to be performed in diabetic patients. More than 26,000 lower limb amputations per year were estimated to have been attributable to pre-existing diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: Lower limb amputations as a complication of diabetes mellitus are more frequent in Germany than previously estimated. Intensified prevention and therapy--as intended in disease management programs--are urgently needed to decrease the complications of diabetes and ultimately to reduce diabetes mellitus-related costs.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

A review of diagnosis and modes of presentation of tropical idiopathic lower limb gangrene.

BACKGROUND: Tropical idiopathic lower limb gangrene (TILLG) is also known as Symmetrical gangrene in the African, Idiopathic gangrene in the African and Idiopathic peripheral gangrene of the tropics. The aetiopathogenesis of this clinical entity is a mystery. OBJECTIVE: To review methods of diagnosing tropical idiopathic lower limb gangrene (TILLG) and highlight its clinical variants. METHOD: All Literature on idiopathic gangrene of the extremities was searched from libraries, colleagues and internet but only literature on TILLG (in Africans) from 1947 to date was scrutinised. Each case was studied to find out the basis of diagnosis. RESULT: TILLG is not fully understood and not easy to recognise. Two sets of criteria are known to be helpful in establishing diagnosis. These criteria can be classified as major and minor criteria. Major criteria are those clinical data that can establish the diagnosis of TILLG. No devices are required to identify them. Minor criteria are pathological changes that are consistent with TILLG. Devices are required to identify them. Three pathomorphological types of TILLG were described in literature and are classified as types A, B and C. CONCLUSIONS: This review is supposed to sensitise the clinician and make diagnosis easier. This will also encourage more researches. As more information becomes available, aetiopathogenesis of TILLG will be clearer and more clinical variants of the disease may be reported. This additional information will help in the prevention of gangrene, reducing the socioeconomic problems arising from amputation.

Africa↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Joint hypermobility: the use of a new assessment tool to measure lower limb hypermobility.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the use of a new assessment tool for diagnosis of hypermobility in the lower limb to the Beighton score for generalised hypermobility. METHODS: Three groups of children were compared (n = 225) and included a "normal" population of 116 school children, a "possible hypermobile" group of 88 children attending afoot and gait clinic and a "known hypermobile" group of 21 children referred from a paediatrician or rheumatologist. The Beighton score was used to measure generalised hypermobility. The Lower Limb Assessment Score was used to measure hypermobility in the lower limbs. RESULTS: The Lower Limb Assessment Score was able to distinguish between the three groups of children better than the Beighton score. At a threshold of 5/9 indicating hypermobility, the Beighton score identified hypermobility in 34% of school children; the lower limb score identified hypermobility in 21% of school children after a threshold was identified. There was disagreement between the scores in school children where 26.7% of children appeared to have a positive Beighton score that was not accompanied by a positive lower limb score. In the "known hypermobile" group the Beighton score was positive in only 10% of children when the lower limb score was negative for hypermobility. CONCLUSION: In this group of school children, the Beighton score appeared to over-diagnose hypermobility at the threshold of 5/9. Specific thresholds for diagnosis need to be set dependant on the age and ethnic group of the population being studied. The Lower Limb Assessment Score may be a useful score for health professionals specifically interested in lower limb hypermobility.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[Clinical analysis of Doppler waveform in arterial occlusive disease in the lower limbs].

OBJECTIVE: In order increase the diagnostic standard of Doppler ultrasound to arterial occlusive disease in the lower limbs. METHODS: 120 normal lower limbs and 66 lower limbs with arterial occlusive disease were measured by directional Doppler blood velocity detector in different segments. The peak forward velocity(PFV), peak reverse velocity(PRV), acceleration time(AT), and deceleration time(DT) were determined and compared. RESULTS: The blood flow velocity of the lower limb arteries was gradually slowed down from the proximal to the distal in the normal group. The ratio of distal to proximal PFA, PRV, AT and DT was less than 1.0. PFV and PRV in the disease group were slower than in the normal group(P < 0.01). AT and DT in the disease group were longer than in the normal group(P < 0.01). It was discovered that the ratio of distal to proximal DT was greater than 1.0 in arterial stenosis(> 50%) or occlusion (collateral artery development). CONCLUSION: The results were compared those of arteriography. The diagnostic coincidence ratio of Doppler ultrasound for localization was 91%(60/66).

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Basic characteristics of duplex sonography in the assessment of lower limb arterial circulation].

INTRODUCTION: Dulpex and color duplex ultrasonography of lower limb arteries are valuable non-invasive diagnostic methods in the pathology of vascular diseases and a major step in diagnostics and in follow-up of hemodynamic and morphologic characteristics. COLOR DUPLEX SONOGRAPHY: The method consists of image analysis and analysis of Doppler information. Real-time-B mode is used to visualize the anatomy of blood vessels and other pathological lesions. Doppler information based on the Doppler effect determine the pulse wave i.e. the shape of flow velocity--hemodynamic characteristics. Spectral analysis is the most important element of Doppler examination of the lower limb peripheral arteries. Based on the spectral analysis, there are four stages of lower limb arterial disease: normal findings--1% - 19% diameter reduction; medium stenosis--artery diameter reduction of 20% - 49%; high level stenosis--artery diameter reduction of 50% - 100%; occlusion--no flow detected within the imaged arterial segment. In the first place, both iliac arteries are examined, which is followed with femoral, popliteal and crural arteries. The examination of iliac arteries is carried out with a 3.5 MHz transducer, and other peripheral arteries of the lower limbs are examined with a 7, 5 or 5 MHz transducer. CONCLUSION: Color Doppler is an extremely valuable diagnostic method in detecting pathology of the lower limb arteries. With high reliability level arterial insufficiency and pathological arterial segments are diagnosed by a duplex-Doppler.

Arteries↗

PubMed2006

[Trends and characteristics of diabetes-related lower limb amputations in the Negev, 1996-1999].

BACKGROUND: The loss of a lower limb because of diabetic foot problems such as infections is an important complication of diabetes mellitus. The goals of this study were: (1) to examine trends in incidence of diabetic-related lower limb amputations in the Negev, (2) to describe the clinical characteristics of patients who underwent amputations in the Soroka University Medical Center and (3) to estimate in-hospital mortality and its predictors. METHODS: This study included all diabetic patients who underwent non-traumatic lower limb amputation in the Soroka Hospital during the period 1996-1999. The computerized hospitalization files and surgery logs during the study period were reviewed for ICD-9 diagnoses of diabetes and amputations. For each patient, hospitalization records were abstracted and data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. RESULTS: During the study period 411 amputations were performed on 250 diabetic patients (1.6 amputation/person). The estimated mean annual incidence rate of lower limb amputations in the Negev was 5 per 1000 diabetic patients, 27.3 per 100,000 total population, and 45 per 100,000 adults above 18 years of age. The mean age was 68 (SD +/- 11.4) years. The most frequent types of surgery were standard below-knee amputation. Fourteen percent of patients died during hospitalization. Systolic blood pressure, white blood count and serum creatinine at admission were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of lower limb amputation in the Negev is similar to that reported in other countries. Interventions directed to early detection of diabetic foot problems may have an impact on the reduction of lower limb amputations and related mortality.

Aged↗