Objective To explore the methods of early diagnosis of arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremity (ASOLE). Methods The related literatures on ASOLE detection means adopted clinically were reviewed, and their advantages and disadvantages were compared.Results Asymptomatic ASOLE could be discovered by determination of ankle brachial index (ABI) and toe brachial index (TBI), which was a good index for arterial function assessment of lower extremity. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was more vulnerable and less sensitive than ABI, and therefore more suitable for screening of a large sample. ASI was an index to assess arterial structure and function, and it had a good correlation with PWV. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was a measurement evaluating the function of endothelial cell; Pulse wave measurement was simple, sensitive, and its result was reliable. Color Doppler ultrasonography could localizate the lesion and determine the degree of stenosis at the same time. Multiple-slice CT angiography (MSCTA) was more accurate than color Doppler ultrasonography, but its inherent shortcomings, such as nephrotoxicity of contrast agent, was still need to be resolved. 3D-contrast enhancement magnetic resonance angiography (CEMRA) had little nephrotoxicity, but a combination of other imaging methods was necessary. Microcirculation detections required high consistency of the measurement environment, but they were simple, sensitive and noninvasive, and therefore could be used for screening of ASO. Conclusion Publicity and education of highrisk groups, and reasonable selection of all kinds of detection means, are helpful to improve the early diagnosis of ASOLE.
ObjectiveTo evaluate feasibility and clinical effect of individual therapy for venous ulceration of lower extremity.
MethodsFrom February 2012 to February 2014, 360 cases (totally 421 lower limbs) treated by the individual therapy were analyzed retrospectively. There were 126 male and 234 female patients, with a mean age of 53 years (ranging from 45 to 78 years). The venous ulceration occurred in left limb for 176 cases, right limb for 123 cases, and both limbs for 61 cases. The individualized treatment plans were performed for all the patients according to the color Doppler before the operation. The perforating vein was ligated during the operation, and elastic stockings were wore after operation. The operation time, postoperative VAS pain score, perioperative complications, ulcer healing and recurrence were recorded.
ResultsThe operations were completed in all the patients, the average operation time was 35 min. The average VAS pain score was 2.6 at 8 h after operation, the pain was disappeared nearly at 24 h after operation. The time of returning to normal activity was 3 d. The incision bleeding occurred in 5 cases, the ulcer infection occurred in 32 lower limbs. The patients were followed-up for 12 months to 24 months, all the ulcers were healed, there were 9 cases of recurrence.
ConclusionIndividual therapy for venous ulceration of lower extremity is safe, effective, fewer complications, fast ulcer healing, and less postoperative pain.
ObjectiveTo explore the vascular conditions and the necessity of vascular reconstruction in the treatment of chronic ischemic diseases of lower extremities with tibial transverse transport (TTT) from the perspective of vascular surgery.MethodsA clinical data of 59 patients with chronic ischemic disease of lower extremities treated by TTT between February 2014 and July 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, there were 41 patients with diabetic foot (DF), including Wagner grade 3-4, Texas grade 2-3, and stage B-D lesions; the disease duration ranged from 0.7 to 2.4 years, with an average of 1.5 years, and 5 cases complicated with arteriosclerosis obliteran (ASO). There were 14 patients with ASO (Fontaine stage Ⅳ and Rutherford stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ) with an average disease duration of 10.8 months (range, 1.5-23.4 months). There were 4 patients with thromboangiitis obliteran (TAO) with an average disease duration of 12.3 months (range, 2.1-18.2 months), and the clinical stages were all in the third stage. In 18 patients that ankle brachial index (ABI) of anterior or posterior tibial artery was less than 0.6 before operation, or the blood flow of the three branches of inferior anterior tibial artery did not reach the ankle by imaging examination, vascular reconstruction was performed before TTT (5 cases of DF combined with ASO, 12 of ASO, 1 of TAO). After operation, the effectiveness was evaluated by ulcer wound healing, skin temperature, pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, ABI, and CT angiography (CTA) examination.ResultsThe patients with DF were followed up 8-16 months (mean, 12.2 months); the ulcer wounds healed with a healing time of 5.1-9.2 weeks (mean, 6.8 weeks); CTA examination showed that the branches of inferior anterior tibial artery were opened in 5 patients after revascularization; and the tibial osteotomy healed for 5-14 weeks (mean, 8.3 weeks). The patients with ASO were followed up 13-25 months (mean, 16.8 months); the ulcer wounds healed with a healing time of 6.2-9.7 weeks (mean, 7.4 weeks). CTA examination showed that the branches of inferior anterior tibial artery were opened in 12 patients after revascularization; all tibial osteotomy healed, and the healing time was 4.5-14.4 weeks (mean, 10.2 weeks). The patients with TAO were followed up 12-23 months with an average of 12.3 months, and toe/limb amputation was performed after ineffective treatment. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they were combined with revascularization or not. The ABI, VAS score, and skin temperature in the combined revascularization group significantly improved at 6 months after operation (P<0.05); while there was no significant difference in ABI at 6 months after operation in the TTT group (P>0.05), but the skin temperature and VAS scores significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05).ConclusionThe ABI of anterior or posterior tibial artery is more than 0.6, radiological examination shows that at least one of the three branches of inferior anterior tibial artery leads to ankle artery, which is a prerequisite for successful TTT in the treatment of chronic ischemic disease of lower extremities. DF is the indication of TTT. ASO can choose TTT, and TAO should use this technique cautiously.
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of medial sural artery perforator flap in the repair of small and medium size skin and soft tissue defects in the ipsilateral lower extremities. Methods The clinical data of patients with small and medium area skin and soft tissue defects of lower limbs admitted to Restorative and Reconstructive Department, NO.1 Orthopedics Hospital of Chengdu between September 2021 and January 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. Basic information of patients was collected. The anatomical characteristics, application methods, and clinical results of the flap were recorded after operation, and the comprehensive efficacy evaluation table of the flap was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy at the last follow-up. Results A total of 13 patients were included. There were 12 males and 1 female. A total of 19 perforating branches of medial sural artery were found in the 13 cases, with an average of 1.46 perforating branches. The incision range of the flap was 5.5 cm×3.5 cm?13.5 cm×5.0 cm. Anterograde pedicle metastasis occurred in 3 cases and free transplantation occurred in 10 cases; mosaic flaps were used in 5 cases, lobed flaps in 1 case, and conventional perforator flaps in the remaining 7 cases. All the flaps survived successfully. All the 13 patients were followed up for 4-15 months, with an average of (10.38±3.64) months. The comprehensive score of flap efficacy was 77-92 points, with an average of (86.76±4.45) points. Among them, 5 cases were excellent, 8 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion The multifunctional features and flexible use of medial sural artery perforator flap increase the repair strategy of small and medium-sized wounds of the ipsilateral lower limbs, and can obtain better aesthetic repair results.
Objective To explore the feasibility and technical points of soft tissue defect reconstruction of the lower extremity using the distally based anterolateral thigh (dALT) flap based on perforating vessels from the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) oblique branch. Methods Between July 2010 and July 2016, 7 patients underwent defect reconstruction of the lower extremities using the dALT flap based on perforating vessels from the LCFA oblique branch. There were 4 males and 3 females with an average age of 26.7 years (range, 3-58 years). The etiologies included angiofibrolipoma in 1 case, malignant fibrous sarcoma in 1 case, soft tissue sarcoma in 1 case, and post-burn scar contracture in 4 cases. The disease duration was 13 years, 1 year, and 8 months in 3 patients with tumors respectively, and was from 6 months to 35 years in 4 patients with post-burn scar contracture. After resection of lesion tissues, the defect size ranged from 8 cm×6 cm to 24 cm×8 cm. The flap size ranged from 9 cm×7 cm to 24 cm×8 cm. The length of the pedicle ranged from 12 to 22 cm (mean, 16.6 cm). The distance from the flap pivot point to the superolateral border of the patella ranged from 9.5 to 14.0 cm (mean, 11.8 cm). The donor sites were directly closed in 6 cases and covered with the split-thickness skin graft in 1 case. Results All flaps survived after surgery without any major complications. All wounds at the donor and the recipient sites healed primarily. The patients were followed up from 5 to 54 months (mean, 30.7 months). The color, texture, and thickness of the flaps were similar to those of the surrounding skin. No tumor recurrence was observed. The range of motion of flexion and extension of the knee joint were greatly improved in the patients with post-burn scar contracture. Conclusion For patients who have the oblique branch from the LCFA descending branch which sends out perforating vessels to the skin of the anterolateral thigh region, a dALT flap could be used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremities.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the nucleotide binding oligomerization domain like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and inflammatory reaction of venous ulcer of lower extremity.MethodsTwenty-four patients with active venous ulcer of lower extremity (active ulcer group), 24 patients with non exudative venous ulcer of lower extremity as positive control (non-active ulcer group), and 24 patients with traumatic wound as negative control (traumatic-wound group) were enrolled. The clinical data of the three groups were compared, the tissue samples around the wound were harvested, and the expressions of NLRP3 protein were detected by immunohistochemistry among the three groups. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the IL-1β and IL-18 protein levels, RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of apoptosis associated speck like protein containing CARD (ASC), caspase-1, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and NF-κB inhibitor alpha (NF-κB IkBα), and Western blotting was performed to evaluate the level of NLRP3 inflammasome in wound tissues.ResultsThe inflammatory response in the non-active ulcer group and trauma-wound group were milder than that in the active ulcer group. The levels of IL-1β and IL-18 proteins in the active ulcer group were higher than those in the non-active ulcer group and the traumatic-wound group [IL-1β: (146.621±11.597) ng/L vs. (80.967±14.213) ng/L vs. (84.962±19.484) ng/L, F=136.200, P<0.001; IL-18: (119.814±12.788) ng/L vs. (72.899±17.220) ng/L vs. (48.131±10.407) ng/L, F=167.910, P<0.001]. The results of RT-PCR showed that the mRNA expressions of ASC [(0.030±0.012) ng/L vs. (0.021±0.005) ng/L vs. (0.016±0.004) ng/L, F=18.106, P<0.001], caspase-1 [(0.054±0.012) ng/L vs. (0.013±0.009) ng/L vs. (0.018±0.006) ng/L, F=130.372, P<0.001], NF-κB p65 [(0.093±0.015) ng/L vs. (0.038±0.013) ng/L vs. (0.043±0.014) ng/L, F=110.950, P<0.001], NF-κB IkB-α [(0.085±0.015) ng/L vs. (0.078±0.015) ng/L vs. (0.041±0.016) ng/L, F=53.070, P<0.001], and JNK [(0.075±0.018) ng/L vs. (0.042±0.013) ng/L vs. (0.039±0.014) ng/L, F=41.271, P<0.001] in the wound tissues of the active ulcer group were higher than those in the non-active ulcer group and the traumatic-wound group. And the mRNA expression of p38 in the wound tissues of the active ulcer group was lower than that in the non-active ulcer group [(0.050±0.008) ng/L vs. (0.064±0.014) ng/L, P<0.05]. The result of Western blotting showed that the relative expression level of NLRP3 protein in the wound tissues of the active ulcer group was higher than that in the trauma-wound group and non-active ulcer group (0.767±0.272 vs. 0.605±0.212 vs. 0.556±0.183, F=4.804, P=0.012).ConclusionNLRP3 inflammasome is closely related to the wound in venous ulcer of lower extremity and provides a new target to the therapy of venous ulcer of lower extremity.
Objective To investigate the effects of femoral offset and mechanical axis of the lower extremity on hip after osteotomy for adult developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods A clinical data of 62 adult patients with DDH (62 hips), who underwent periacetabular osteotomy combined with femoral osteotomy between January 2016 and May 2019 and met selective criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 56 females. The age ranged from 18 to 38 years, with an average of 24.4 years. Body mass index ranged from 15.8 to 31.8 kg/m2, with an average of 21.8 kg/m2. There were 44 cases of Hartofilakidis typeⅠ and 18 cases of typeⅡ. According to the modified T?nnis osteoarthritis staging, 46 cases were stage 0 and 16 cases were stageⅠ. There were 13 cases with pelvic anteversion, 40 cases with normal pelvis, and 9 cases with pelvic retroversion. Intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, and complications were recorded. Postoperative hip function was evaluated by Harris score and International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT) score. The femoral offset, collo-diaphyseal angle, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), knee valus angle, CE (Wiberg central-edge angle), anterior CE angle, and acetabular index angle were measured and the osteotomy healing was observed on X-ray films. Patients were grouped according to postoperative femoral offset (≥48 mm or <48 mm) and HKA [varus group (HKA<177°), normal group (HKA 177°-183°), and valgus group (HKA>183°)]. Harris score and iHOT score were compared between groups. Results Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 200 to 1 550 mL, with an average of 476 mL. The length of hospital stay ranged from 8 to 21 days, with an average of 13.3 days. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 2.0-4.5 years, with an average of 2.8 years. At 1 year after operation, the Harris score and iHOT score of the hip joint significantly increased when compared with those before operation (P<0.05); there were significant differences in the femoral offset, collo-diaphyseal angle, HKA, knee valus angle, CE angle, anterior CE angle, and acetabular index angle between pre- and post-operation (P>0.05). According to the modified T?nnis osteoarthritis staging, 38 cases were stage 0 and 24 cases were stageⅠ; and there was no significant difference between pre- and post-operation (χ2=2.362, P=0.124). There were 11 cases with pelvic anteversion, 38 cases with normal pelvis, and 13 cases with pelvic retroversion, showing no significant difference when compared with that before operation (χ2=0.954, P=0.623). The pubic branch osteotomy did not heal in 9 cases, proximal femur osteotomy did not heal in 2 cases, and inferior pubic ramus stress fracture occurred in 5 cases. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the Harris score and iHOT score between femoral offset≥48 mm group (n=10) and femoral offset<48 mm group (n=52). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in Harris score and iHOT score between varus group (n=13), normal group (n=40), and valgus group (n=9). Conclusion Periacetabular osteotomy combined with femoral osteotomy can improve the femoral offset and mechanical axis of the lower extremity of patients with DDH, and improve the functional score of the hip. However, excessive increase of femoral offset during femoral osteotomy is not desirable, resulting in low postoperative functional score.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) in treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis (ADVT) in lower extremity.
MethodsLimb circumference at 15 cm above and below the knee at affected side, as well as patency improvement score of 46 patients with ADVT in lower extremity, who received treatment in The Rocket Army General Hospital of PLA between January 2014 and October 2015, were colleted retrospectively, to analyze the effect of CDT in treatment of ADVT in lower extremity.
ResultsAll patients were placed catheter successfully, 5 patients were placed catheter by 'contralateral mountain' technique retrograde, 40 patients were placed catheter through the limb popliteal vein at affected side anterograde, guiding by ultrasound, 1 patient was placed catheter through femoral vein at affected side. All of 46 patients got successful thrombolysis, and thrombolysis time was (4.7±1.8) d (3-12 d). There were 8 patients suffered from complications in different situation, and got treatment of drug withdrawal or tube drawing all ease, no one died. Compared with before CDT treatment in same group, the limb circumference at 15 cm above (P=0.028, P=0.017, P=0.031) and below (P=0.035, P=0.038, P=0.047) the knee at affected side, and patency improvement score (P=0.023, P=0.028, P=0.031) in all patients group, 22-45 years group, and 46-74 years group were all lower after CDT treatment. The limb circumference at 15 cm above (P=0.073, P=0.387, P=0.358) and below (P=0.416, P=0.625, P=0.253) the knee at affected side after CDT treatment were not differed with corresponding indexes of healthy side in the same group of all patients group, 22-45 years group, and 46-74 years group. Ultrasound after treatment showed that, blood vessel recanalization occurred in 15 patients (32.6%), partial blood vessel recanalization occurred in 28 patients (60.9%), but thrombus of 3 patients (6.5%) didn't removed, the total effective rate was 93.5% (43/46). Forty three patients were followed up for 1-24 months, the median is 18-month. During follow-up period, skin color obviously deepened after the activity occurred in 5 patients, obvious limb acid bilges occurred in 19 patients, vein thrombosis (DVT) recurred in 9 patients of 28 patients with partial blood vessel recanalization, in addition, thrombosis syndrome (PTS) occurred in 11 patients.
ConclusionCDT is the most direct and effective way to treat ADVT.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluated the efficacy of AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in the treatment of acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT).MethodsAccording to the retrieval strategy of Cochrane collaboration network, the relevant literatures in CNKI, WangFang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science at home and abroad up to March 25, 2020 were collected, and the meta analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 20 observational studies were included in the meta analysis. The total number of patients was 1 566, which 799 cases in the AngioJet group and 767 cases in the CDT group. The results showed that the AngioJet group had a higher patency rate of deep vein ［MD=11.34, 95%CI (6.16, 16.51), P<0.000 1］, lower or shorter Villalta score ［MD=–1.90, 95%CI (–2.71, –1.10), P<0.000 01］, incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome［PTS, OR=0.42, 95%CI (0.23, 0.77), P=0.005］, rate of clot reduction grade Ⅰ events ［OR=0.40, 95%CI (0.24, 0.67), P=0.000 5］, incidence of bleeding complication ［OR=0.32, 95%CI (0.21, 0.49), P<0.000 01］, and hospital stay ［MD=–2.96, 95%CI (–3.69, –2.22), P<0.000 01］.ConclusionsIn the early efficacy, AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy has better patency rate of deep vein and thrombolysis, shorter hospital stay, and lower risk of bleeding than CDT. In the mid-term effect, AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy could reduce the incidence and the severity of PTS.
ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of Keystone flap in the repair of soft tissue defect of lower extremity.MethodsThe clinical data of 27 cases with soft tissue defects of lower extremity treated by Keystone flap between January 2018 and June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 9 females, with an average age of 43.9 years (range, 8-63 years). The cause of soft tissue defects included skin tumor in 3 cases, ulcer in 2 cases, soft-tissue infection in 8 cases, trauma in 7 cases, and donor site defect after free or pedicled flap transplantation in 7 cases. Defect size ranged from 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 15.0 cm×9.5 cm. The types of Keystone flaps included type Ⅰ in 2 cases, type Ⅱa in 16 cases, type Ⅱb in 1 case, type Ⅲ in 6 cases, and Moncrieff modified type in 2 cases. The area of flap ranged from 3.0 cm×1.5 cm to 20.0 cm×10.0 cm. The donor site was directly sutured (26 cases) or repaired with skin grafting (1 case).ResultsThe operation time was 45-100 minutes, with an average of 67.5 minutes; the hospitalization stay was 3-12 days, with an average of 8.5 days. Postoperative incision dehiscence occurred in 1 case, and flap marginal necrosis occurred in 2 cases, all of which were completely healed after dressing change; 1 case of incision was swollen and congested with tension blisters, which resolved spontaneously at 7 days after operation. The other flaps and the skin grafting survived and healed successfully, the wounds of recipient and donor sites healed by first intention. The healing time was 2-3 weeks (mean, 2.2 weeks). No pain occurred in all patients. All 27 cases were followed up 3-26 months (mean, 11.5 months). No obvious scar contracture and bloated skin flap were found. The texture and color of the skin in the recipient area were similar to those of the surrounding tissues and feel existed.ConclusionThe Keystone flap is a feasible and efficient way to repair soft tissue defect of lower extremity. Furthermore, the skin color and texture is similar to the surrounding tissue after healing.
