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.
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 the effect of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) with AngioJet mechanical thrombus aspiration system for the acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower extremities. MethodsThe clinical data of 72 patients (72 limbs) with acute DVT who underwent PMT with AngioJet system from December 2015 to June 2018 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsOf the 72 cases, 30 cases underwent PMT alone, while 42 cases underwent PMT combined with catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT). Thrombus clearance rate of grade Ⅲ was obtained in 49 cases (68.05%), grade Ⅱ in 20 cases (27.78%), and grade Ⅰ in 3 cases (4.17%). Thirty-five cases were found with May-Thurner syndrome, and 34 cases were treated with stenting while 1 case complicated with iliac bleeding. The rates of PTS were 1.41% (1/71), 3.57% (2/56), 4.55% (2/44), and 20.00% (3/15) at 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year after intervention, respectively. The deep vein patency rates were 86.36% (38/44) and 80.00% (12/15) at 1-year and 2-year after intervention, respectively. The iliac stent patency rates were 100% (23/23) and 87.50% (7/8) at 1-year and 2-year after intervention, respectively. ConclusionThe effect of PMT assisted with CDT for the acute DVT of lower extremities is satisfactory, but its long-term efficacy needs to be further observed.
ObjectiveThis study was aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy using the AngioJet System for the treatment of lower extremity acute arterial embolism and thrombosis.MethodsThe clinical data of 20 patients with acute lower extremity arterial embolism and thrombosis admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery in the People’s Hospital in Gansu Province where the author worked from September 2016 to March 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with the AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy system. Clinical data of the patients were retrospectively collected. The clinical efficacy of AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy wasanalyzed.ResultsEighteen (90.0%) of the 20 patients successfully completed the mechanical thrombectomy by using the AngioJet System. The mean time for hospital stay and operation was (4.2±1.4) d and (1.3±0.4) h, respectively. The average doses of urokinase and heparin during operation were (35.80±12.30) ×104 U and (45.10±8.30) mg, respectively. Two patients received a complementary treatment of incision for removing the thrombus. Two patients received catheter-directed thrombolysis after the mechanical thrombectomy, 5 patients received bare-metal stent implantation after balloon expansion. Clinical success was in 16 cases. According to the Cooley standard, 10 patients were in excellent condition,6 in good condition, 2 in fair condition, and 2 in poor condition. There were 2 cases of distal arterial embolization,2 cases of antecardial discomfort of bradycardia, and 4 cases of bleeding at the puncture point, but no serious bleeding complications such as gastrointestinal and intracranial hemorrhage occurred. A total of 16 patients presented myoglobinuria during and after operation. All patients were followed up for 6–12 months. The results of ultrasound examination showed that the artery was patency in 15 cases. One patient died of myocardial infarction in 9 months after surgery,2 patients developed lower extremity ischemia symptoms again after surgery, and 2 patients had lower extremity ulcer caused by lower extremity ischemia symptoms. During the follow-up period, no lower limb necrosis, amputation, and death occurred in the remaining patients.ConclusionsThe AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy system is safe and effective. Combined with the use of catheter-directed thrombolysis and stent implantation, the AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy could lead to quick recovery of the perfusion of the lower extremity and improve the limb salvage rates, exhibiting excellent clinical value.
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and advantages of the lower extremity axial distractor assisted closed reduction and retrograde intramedullary nail internal fixation in the treatment of distal femoral fractures.MethodsThe clinical data of 49 patients with distal femoral fractures treated with retrograde intramedullary nail internal fixation between April 2016 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different methods of intraoperative reduction, the patients were divided into trial group (29 cases, using lower extremity axial distractor to assist closed reduction) and control group (20 cases, using free-hand retraction reduction). There was no significant difference in general information between the two groups (P>0.05), such as gender, age, side of injury, cause of injury, and fracture classification. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and callus formation time were recorded and compared between the two groups. The function of the affected limb was evaluated according to the Schatzker-Lambert standard at 1 year after operation.ResultsAll patients successfully completed the operation. In the control group, there was 1 case with open reduction and internal fixation, and the rest of the two groups were closed reduction. There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no complication such as vascular or nerve injury and iatrogenic fracture, etc. during and after operation, and the incisions healed by first intention. Except for 2 patients in the trial group who were lost to follow-up at 3 months after operation, the rest of the patients were followed up 12-36 months, with an average of 16.0 months. There was no significant difference in the callus formation time between the two groups (t=2.195, P=0.145). During the follow-up, postoperative knee joint stiffness occurred in 1 case in the control group, which improved by strengthening the knee joint function exercise and removing the internal fixator; the rest were not found to be associated with delayed or nonunion fractures, knee stiffness, and internal fixation complication. The function of the affected limb was evaluated according to the Schatzker-Lambert standard at 1 year after operation, the trial group achieved excellent results in 22 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 96.3%; in the control group, the results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate was 95.0%; showing no significant difference in the excellent and good rate between the two groups (χ2=0.451, P=0.502).ConclusionThe lower extremity axial distractor assisted closed reduction and retrograde intramedullary nailing for the treatment of distal femoral fractures is convenient, which has satisfactory efficacy.
ObjectiveTo summarize the progress of perioperative pain management in patients with lower limb vascular diseases. MethodRetrieved the literature about pain management in patients with lower limb vascular diseases both at home and abroad in recent years and reviewed the literature. ResultsLower limb vascular diseases were very common in elderly patients. Whether it was limb ischemic pain or surgery-related pain, it often increased the stress response and activation of the autonomic system, which was not conducive to the recovery of the disease. Good analgesic management was important for these patients. Perioperative pain management could be performed by intravenous analgesics, oral analgesics, local anesthesia, neuraxial anesthesia and peripheral nerve block. Acute and chronic pain should be actively managed during perioperative period. Pre-emptive analgesic strategies could be implemented in patients with severe peripheral vascular disease. ConclusionsGood perioperative analgesia management is necessary. Pain management which employes one or more analgesic methods is important in maximizing pain relief, function, and quality of life for this patient group.
Objective To explore the results of thrombolytic therapy of acute deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity. Methods The clinical data of 126 patients with acute deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity treated conservatively from Dec.1999 to Feb.2004 were analyzed retrospectively. Results All patients were divided into three groups: 26 of central, 33 of surrounding and 67 of combined by Doppler sonography. Combined medication was adopted in all cases, in which 85 cases (67.5%) were clinically cured, 34 cases (27.0%) had good results, and 5 cases (4.0%) recovered partially. Two cases (1.6%) didn’t get better. The total effective rate was 98.4% (124/126). Conclusion Most patients with acute deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity can get satisfied results with conservative treatment including thrombolysis and anticoagulation. Early diagnosis and appropriate medication are crucial.
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.
The lower extremity exoskeleton robot is a wearable device designed to help people suffering from a walking disorder to regain the power of the legs and joints to achieve standing and walking functions. Compared with traditional robots that include rigid mechanisms, lower extremity exoskeleton robots with compliant characteristics can store and release energy in passive elastic elements while minimizing the reaction force due to impact, so it can improve the safety of human-robot interaction. This paper reviews the compliant characteristics of lower extremity exoskeleton robots from the aspects of compliant drive and compliant joint, and introduces the augmentation, assistive, rehabilitation lower extremity exoskeleton robots. It also prospect the future development trend of lower extremity exoskeleton robots.
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 Tönnis 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 Tönnis 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.