Analysis of the Effect of Problem-Oriented Nursing Intervention on Patients with Lower Extremity Arteriosclerosis Obliterans in Vascular Surgery

Objective: To analyze the effect of problem-oriented nursing intervention on patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) in vascular surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 128 patients with lower extremity ASO in vascular surgery were selected and randomly divided into groups A and B, with 64 cases each. Group A is the control group, and Group B is the observation group. Group A received the routine nursing intervention, and Group B received the problem-oriented nursing intervention. The compliance, self-care ability, psychological state, quality of life, and nursing satisfaction of the two groups of patients were evaluated based on various indicators. Results: After the intervention, the evaluation of self-care ability (ESCA) score of the patients in Group B was higher than that of Group A, and the symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90) score was lower than that of Group A. The differences were significant (t = 10.019, t = 3.118, P < 0.01). After the intervention, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) index scores of the two groups increased and the increase in Group B was significantly higher than Group A (P < 0.001). The compliance rate of Group B (62/ 96.88%) was higher than that of Group A (52/ 81.25%), and the difference was extremely significant (χ2 = 8.020, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Problem-oriented nursing intervention for patients with lower extremity ASO in vascular surgery improved the patient’s self-care ability, and quality of life, reduced the patient’s negative emotions, and enhanced their overall satisfaction.

Lower Extremity Arterial Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Prevalence and Associated Factors at the Libreville University Hospital Center

Introduction: Lower extremity arterial disease in diabetic patients has distinct characteristics. Objectives: To study the hospital frequency of lower extremity arterial disease and identify associated factors in diabetic patients at the Libreville University Hospital Center (CHUL). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, in the endocrinology department of the CHUL. All patients with type 2 diabetes over the age of 18 admitted to this department, regardless of the reason for hospitalization, who provided informed consent, were included. Socio-demographic data and cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. Personal and family cardiovascular history and functional symptoms were investigated. The physical examination included measuring blood pressure, heart rate, and the ankle-brachial index in all patients. Results: A total of 219 patients were included, of whom 75 had lower extremity arterial disease, representing a prevalence of 34.24%. It was compensated in 28 cases (37.33%) and decompensated in 39 patients (52%). In eight cases (10.67%), there was critical chronic ischemia. Cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes were physical inactivity (89.5%), hypertension (55.25%), overweight (49.77%), obesity (22.84%), and smoking (10.04%). In multivariate analysis, only hypertension (OR = 2.09;95% CI: 1.05 - 4.17;p = 0.035) and LDL cholesterol (OR = 2.75;95% CI: 1.10 - 6.85;p = 0.03) were significantly associated with lower extremity arterial disease in diabetics at the University Hospital of Libreville. Conclusion: Lower extremity arterial disease is common in diabetic patients at the University Hospital of Libreville. It is often asymptomatic, thus requiring systematic screening.[-rId11-]

Th17/Treg balance and macrophage polarization ratio in lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Objective:To explore the balance of peripheral blood T helper 17 cells/regulatory T cell(Th17/Treg)ratio and the polarization ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages in lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans(ASO).Methods:A rat model of lower extremity ASO was established,and blood samples from patients with lower extremity ASO before and after surgery were obtained.ELISA was used to detect interleukin 6(IL-6),IL-10,and IL-17.Real-time RCR and Western blot analyses were used to detect Foxp3,IL-6,IL-10,and IL-17 expression.Moreover,flow cytometry was applied to detect the Th17/Treg ratio and M1/M2 ratio.Results:Compared with the control group,the iliac artery wall of ASO rats showed significant hyperplasia,and the concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly increased(P<0.01),indicating the successful establishment of ASO.Moreover,the levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in ASO rats were pronouncedly increased(P<0.05),while the IL-10 level was significantly decreased(P<0.05).In addition to increased IL-6 and IL-17 levels,the mRNA and protein levels of Foxp3 and IL-10 in ASO rats were significantly decreased compared with the control group.The Th17/Treg and M1/M2 ratios in the ASO group were markedly increased(P<0.05).These alternations were also observed in ASO patients.After endovascular surgery(such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and arterial stenting),all these changes were significantly improved(P<0.05).Conclusions:The Th17/Treg and M1/M2 ratios were significantly increased in ASO,and surgery can effectively improve the balance of Th17/Treg,and reduce the ratio of M1/M2,and the expression of inflammatory factors.

Advances in the management of arteriosclerosis of the lower extremity:Integrating Western and Chinese medicine approaches

This editorial provides a commentary on the recent article.The paper reviews current literature and explores innovative treatment strategies for lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans(LEASO)through an integrative approach.It highlights the effectiveness of combination therapies that merge traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)with Western medical practices,suggesting that such integrative methods may improve patient compliance and outcomes through personalized care.This paper stresses the importance of rigorous clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM interventions within LEASO treatment protocols,advocating for evidence-based validation of these combined therapies.Our recommendations emphasize accurate diagnosis,appropriate pharmacological in-terventions,the use of advanced surgical and endovascular techniques,and the inclusion of TCM to address underlying dysfunctions.Additionally,continuous monitoring,patient education,and lifestyle modifications are essential to slow disease progression and achieve optimal patient outcomes.The paper concludes by calling for further research to develop standardized treatment protocols that effectively integrate both Western and Chinese medical approaches in managing LEASO.

Efficacy of percutaneous mechanical thrombus removal in acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND Acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis(LEDVT)is a common vascular emergency with significant morbidity risks,including post-thrombotic syndrome(PTS)and pulmonary embolism.Traditional treatments like catheter-directed thrombolysis(CDT)often result in variable success rates and complications.AIM To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous mechanical thrombus removal in acute LEDVT.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed to examine 58 hospitalised patients with acute LEDVT between August 2019 and August 2022.The patients were categorised into the percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy(PMT)group(n=24)and CDT group(n=32).The follow-up,safety and treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups.The main observational indexes were venous patency score,thrombus removal effect,complications,hospitalisation duration and PTS.RESULTS The venous patency score was 9.04±1.40 in the PMT group and 8.81±1.60 in the CDT group,and the thrombus clearance rate was 100%in both groups.The complication rate was 8.33%in the PMT group and 34.84%in the CDT group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The average hospitalisation duration was 6.54±2.48 days in the PMT group and 8.14±3.56 days in the CDT group.The incidence of PTS was lower in the PMT group than in the CDT group;however,the difference was not statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with CDT,treatment of LEDVT via PMT was associated with a better thrombus clearance rate,clinical therapeutic effect and PTS prevention function,but the difference was not statistically significant.Moreover,PMT was associated with a reduced urokinase dosage,shortened hospitalisation duration and reduced incidence of complications,such as infections and small haemorrhages.These results indicate that PMT has substantial beneficial effects in the treatment of LEDVT.

Relationships between Quadriceps:Hamstring Strength Ratio and Lower Extremity Injuries in Netball Players

Background: Netball is a popular sport. Due to high impact and quick movement, there is an enormous load on the lower extremities which increases the risk for injury. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the quadricep and hamstring strength and the prevalence of lower extremity injuries in netball players. Setting: Twenty-five female netball players (age: 20.8 ± 1.4 years) voluntarily participated. Methods: The Cybex Isokinetic dynamometer was used to determine concentric knee torques. Quadriceps:hamstring strength ratio was determined. Occurrence of lower extremity injuries was documented bi-weekly. Results: Medium effect sizes were noted for flexion torque:work for the left leg and for the quadriceps:hamstring ratio (≥60%) for the right leg. All the other measured variables have a small effect size. 18.75% of lower extremity injuries and ConQ:ConH of Conclusion: Injuries to the ankle and knee are especially common among netball players. Hamstring and quadriceps muscle asymmetry (>10%) were found to be a potential indicator of lower extremity injury. Contribution: This study highlights awareness on lower extremity injuries and the strength ratio between the quadriceps and hamstrings. This can aid coaches and netball players to lower the risk for injuries and thus improve individual- and team performance.

Clinical Value of Predictive Nursing Intervention on Deep Venous Thrombosis of Lower Extremities after Cesarean Section

[Objectives]To explore the clinical nursing value of predictive nursing intervention in patients with deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities after cesarean section.[Methods]From December 2022 to April 2023,105 pregnant and lying-in women who were hospitalized in the Gynecology Department of Pingquan Hospital and underwent cesarean section and met the inclusion criteria were included as the study objects.According to the medical records,they were divided into observation group(n=52 cases)and control group(n=53 cases).The clinical experimental subjects were divided into two groups.One group was the control group with routine nursing,and the other group was the observation group with predictive nursing intervention.The number of cases of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities in the two groups was recorded to evaluate the clinical value.[Results]The incidence of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities in the two groups after cesarean section was compared,and it was suggested that the incidence of the observation group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Special predictive nursing intervention can greatly reduce the incidence of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities after cesarean section,improve nursing satisfaction,and improve clinical efficacy,which is worthy of recommendation.

Clinical Effectiveness of the Plate Screw Internal Fixation Technique in the Treatment of Patients with Traumatic Fractures of Long Bones in the Lower Extremities

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of the plate screw internal fixation technique on the clinical outcomes of patients with traumatic fractures of long bones in the lower extremities. Methods: From January 2022 to December 2023, 70 patients with traumatic fractures of long bones in the lower extremities were admitted to the hospital and randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the observation group, each consisting of 35 cases. The control group underwent traditional closed interlocking intramedullary nailing, while the observation group received internal fixation with steel plates and screws. Relevant surgical indicators, treatment effectiveness, and postoperative complication rates were compared between the two groups. Results: The observation group exhibited significantly short surgical duration (80.65 ± 5.01 vs. 88.36 ± 5.26 minutes), fracture healing time (13.27 ± 0.32 vs. 15.52 ± 0.48 weeks), and hospitalization days (10.49 ± 1.13 vs. 16.57 ± 1.15 days) compared to the control group (P = 0.000). The effective treatment rate was significantly higher in the observation group (29/82.86%) than in the control group (21/60.00%), with a significant difference observed (χ2 = 4.480, P = 0.034). Additionally, the complication rate in the observation group (2/5.71%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (8/22.86%), with a correlated difference (χ2 = 4.200, P = 0.040). Conclusion: The plate screw internal fixation technique demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in treating traumatic fractures of long bones in the lower extremities. It improves the healing rate, reduces complications, and represents a safe and effective treatment strategy worthy of widespread use and application.

New Approach to Measuring the Ankle and Toe Brachial Indices as New Markers for Early Detection of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease

Background: Lower extremity Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerosis, or Plaque buildup, that reduces the blood flow to the legs and feet. PAD affects approximately 230 million adults worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and leg amputation. The first-line method for diagnosis of PAD is the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), which is the ratio of ankle to brachial higher systolic pressure measured in ankles and arms. The Toe Brachial Index (TBI), which is the ratio of the toe systolic pressure to brachial higher systolic pressure measured in both arms, is considered to be an alternative to the ABI in screening for PAD. The ABI and TBI are measured on the right and left side, and the lower of these numbers is the patient’s overall ABI and TBI. Clinical studies and meta-analysis reviews have shown that the conventional ABI measurement, which uses a cuff, and handheld sphygmomanometer and continuous-wave Doppler tracings, provides an acceptable-to-high specificity level but low sensitivity when compared with vascular color Doppler ultrasound, and/or angiography methods. Another study has shown that the TBI measurement has greater sensitivity but lower specificity than the ABI when compared with vascular color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic based on waveforms. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the VasoPad System comparing its results to the vascular color doppler ultrasound waveforms. Materials and Methods: The VasoPad System is an automated device using the pulse wave method to measure the arms and ankles dorsalis and tibial posterior artery blood pressures, the photoplethysmography second derivative (PTGSD) to estimate the toe systolic pressure, a patented photoplethysmography (PTG) index marker and volume plethysmography via cuffs during deflation. Vascular Color Doppler ultrasound can diagnose stenosis through the direct visualization of atherosclerosis or plaques and through waveform analysis. The vascular color Doppler ultrasound provides 3 waveform types. The type 1, triphasic waveform is normal blood flow and no atherosclerosis or plaque, the type 2, diphasic waveform is seen when there are atherosclerosis plaques, but normal blood flow, and the type 3, monophasic waveform reflects stenosis with diameter reduction > 50%. Results: The sum of the overall ABI and TBI VasoPad values, called Sum of Brachial Indices (SBI), gave a specificity of 88.89% and sensitivity of 100% for detecting vascular color Doppler ultrasound biphasic and monophasic waveforms versus triphasic waveforms with a cutoff ≤ 1.36 (P Conclusion: The VasoPad was useful for detecting PAD, which is fully defined as having vessel stenosis > 50% (Doppler monophasic waveforms) but also early stage of atherosclerosis plaque of the lower extremities (Doppler biphasic waveforms). The VasoPad method provided a remarkable sensitivity of 100% and a specificity level similar to those of the conventional ABI test method compared with the vascular color Doppler ultrasound. In addition to being useful to screen and detect PAD, the VasoPad offers early detection of lower extremity atherosclerosis, with normal blood flow (Doppler biphasic waveforms), which could provide greater treatment options and thus reduce the overall number of lower extremity complications.

Observation of the effect of angiojet to treat acute lower extremity arterial embolization

BACKGROUND Through significant advances in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease,acute ischemia of the lower extremity is still associated with significant morbidity,limb threat and mortality.The two main causes of acute ischemia in lower extremities are arterial embolism and atherosclerotic arteries.Timely recognition and treatment of acute limb ischemia in emergency situations is essential in order to minimize the duration of ischemia.AIM To investigate the application effect of angiojet thrombolysis in the treatment of acute lower extremity arterial embolization.METHODS Sixty-two patients with acute lower extremity arterial embolization admitted to our hospital from May 2018 to May 2020 were selected.Among them,the observation group(twenty-eight cases)had received angiojet thrombolysis,and the control group(thirty-four cases)had received femoral artery incision and thrombectomy.After thrombus clearance,significant residual stenosis of the lumen was combined with balloon dilation and/or stent implantation.When the thrombus removal was not satisfactory,catheter-directed thrombolysis was performed.The incidence of postoperative complications,recurrence rate and recovery of the two groups were compared.RESULTS There were no significant differences in postoperative recurrence(target vessel reconstruction rate),anklebrachial index and the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups(P>0.05);there were statistically significant differences in postoperative pain score and postoperative rehabilitation between the two groups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The application of angiojet in the treatment of acute lower limb artery thromboembolism disease is safe and effective,minimally invasive,quicker recovery after operation,less postoperative complications,which is more suitable for the treatment of femoral popliteal arterial thromboembolism lesions.If the thrombus removal is not satisfactory,the combination of coronary artery aspiration catheter and catheterized directed thrombolysis can be used.Balloon dilation and stent implantation can be considered for obvious lumen stenosis.

To Explore the Relationship between Lower Extremity Vascular Sclerosis and Osteoporosis in Elderly Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To investigate the correlation between lower extremity vascular sclerosis and osteoporosis in elderly men with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 359 elderly male patients with type II diabetes hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2018 to June 2023 were retrospectively collected. According to the BMD (Bone Density Value), the patients were categorized into osteoporotic (T ≤ -2.5, n = 248) and non-osteoporotic groups (T > -2.5, n = 111). T test and Chi-square test were used to evaluate the differences in clinical data, biochemical markers and ABI between two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of osteoporosis in elderly men with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results: Compared with the non-osteoporotic group, the differences in diabetes course, systolic blood pressure, ABI, BMI, uric acid, triglyceride, and HDL in the osteoporotic group were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that lower extremity vascular sclerosis was an independent risk factor for osteoporosis in elderly men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (P Conclusion: Atherosclerosis of the lower extremities in elderly men with T2DM is closely related to osteoporosis, and can lead to a decrease in bone mass, and an increase in osteoporosis.

Epidemiology of Lower Extremity Artery Disease in People Living with HIV Followed at the Departmental University Hospital Center Ouémé-Plateau in 2019

Introduction: Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) is a serious cardiovascular disease. People living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at risk. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of LEAD and identify the associated factors among people living with HIV who were followed at the departmental university hospital Ouémé-Plateau in Benin. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. It included all HIV-infected people who were monitored at the department of medicine of the target hospital during the study period and met the inclusion criteria (followed for at least three months, aged at least 25 years, and having given their written consent to participate). Data were collected during an individual interview, followed by the measurement of parameters. The ankle brachial index ≤ 0.9 was used for the diagnosis of LEAD. Associated factors were searched through a multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of LEAD was 34.2% among 222 respondents having a mean age was 42.9 ± 10.8 years and a female predominance (77.5%). No significant association was found between the presence of LEAD and sociodemographic factors. The presence of LEAD was significantly associated with hypertension and antiretroviral therapy. Hypertensive patients had a higher risk of LEAD compared to non-hypertensive patients (OR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.04-3.83], p = 0.037). Those who were receiving second-line therapy also had a higher risk of LEAD compared to those on first-line therapy (OR = 2.95, 95% CI [1.14-7.60], p = 0.025). Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of LEAD especially among hypertensive patients and those who were receiving second-line antiretroviral therapy. LEAD diagnosis and management should be included in the routine care of people living with HIV in Benin.

Preventing Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis After Hip Fracture Surgery in Elderly Patients by Acupoint Application Combined with Pneumatic Compression Therapy

Objective:To investigate and analyze the long-term clinical effects of acupoint application combined with pneumatic compression therapy in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis after hip fracture surgery among the elderly.Methods:Sixty elderly patients who had undergone hip fracture surgery from February 2021 to February 2022 were selected as the research subjects.The patients were divided into two groups via drawing lots.Both the groups received nursing care,but the patients in the observation group were treated with TCM acupoint application combined with pneumatic compression therapy,whereas the control group received pneumatic compression therapy.The evaluation indicators included the patients’quality of life and complications.Results:The incidence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in the observation group was more than twice(0.3%),whereas the incidence of lower extremity complications in the control group was more than 6 times(20%).There was a significant difference between the two groups(p<0.05).Conclusion:Traditional Chinese medicine acupoint application combined with pneumatic compression therapy is beneficial for the prevention of postoperative lower extremity deep vein thrombosis among elderly patients.In addition,the patients’overall quality-of-life scores in both physiological and psychological aspects improved significantly,which carries significant clinical reference value.

Robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery I-type F method vs conventional robotic resection for lower rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Robotic resection using the natural orifice specimen extraction surgery I-type F method(R-NOSES I-F)is a novel minimally invasive surgical strategy for the treatment of lower rectal cancer.However,the current literature on this method is limited to case reports,and further investigation into its safety and feasibility is warranted.AIM To evaluate the safety and feasibility of R-NOSES I-F for the treatment of low rectal cancer.METHODS From September 2018 to February 2022,206 patients diagnosed with low rectal cancer at First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were included in this retrospective analysis.Of these patients,22 underwent R-NOSES I-F surgery(RNOSES I-F group)and 76 underwent conventional robotic-assisted low rectal cancer resection(RLRC group).Clinicopathological data of all patients were collected and analyzed.Postoperative outcomes and prognoses were compared between the two groups.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.RESULTS Patients in the R-NOSES I-F group had a significantly lower visual analog score for pain on postoperative day 1(1.7±0.7 vs 2.2±0.6,P=0.003)and shorter postoperative anal venting time(2.7±0.6 vs 3.5±0.7,P<0.001)than those in the RLRC group.There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of sex,age,body mass index,tumor size,TNM stage,operative time,intrao-perative bleeding,postoperative complications,or inflammatory response(P>0.05).Postoperative anal and urinary functions,as assessed by Wexner,low anterior resection syndrome,and International Prostate Symptom Scale scores,were similar in both groups(P>0.05).Long-term follow-up revealed no significant differences in the rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION R-NOSES I-F is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of lower rectal cancer.It improves pain relief,promotes gastrointestinal function recovery,and helps avoid incision-related complications.

Manual aspiration thrombectomy for acute and subacute inferior vena cava thrombosis and lower extremity deep venous thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis(DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism(PE), is a major contributor to the global disease burden and is the third most common cardiovascular pathology after coronary artery disease and stroke. Venous thromboembolic disease, which encompasses the disease entities of DVT and PE, affects up to 10 million cases every year and represents a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Standard anticoagulation therapy alone is ineffective at promoting deep venous system thrombus removal. Many patients develop postthrombotic syndrome(PTS) despite being on adequate anticoagulation therapy. Aggressive therapy for rapid thrombus removal is important to prevent the development of PTS. Besides impeding the onset of PTS, rapid clearance of the thrombus is also required in the treatment of phlegmasia cerulea dolens, an uncommon but life-threatening complication of acute DVT that can lead to arterial insufficiency, compartment syndrome, venous gangrene, and limb amputation. Manual aspiration thrombectomy(MAT) can provide rapid and effective therapy that could be compared to the open surgical thrombectomy approach with minimal risk of morbidity, mortality, or recurrence after surgery. Though many devices have been developed to date for pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, the cost of the treatment using these devices is very expensive. MAT is simple to perform, easy to learn, inexpensive, and rapid. This review will outline and dissect several studies and case reports, sourced from the Pub Med database, on the subject of the use of MAT in treating inferior vena cava thrombosis and lower extremity DVT, including in patients with compression of the iliac vein and phlegmasia cerulea dolens.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for lower extremity motor function in patients with stroke:a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Transcranial magnetic stimulation,a type of noninvasive brain stimulation,has become an ancillary therapy for motor function rehabilitation.Most previous studies have focused on the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)on motor function in stroke patients.There have been relatively few studies on the effects of different modalities of rTMS on lower extremity motor function and corticospinal excitability in patients with stroke.The MEDLINE,Embase,Cochrane Library,ISI Science Citation Index,Physiotherapy Evidence Database,China National Knowledge Infrastructure Library,and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched.Parallel or crossover randomized controlled trials that addressed the effectiveness of rTMS in patients with stroke,published from inception to November 28,2019,were included.Standard pairwise meta-analysis was conducted using R version 3.6.1 with the“meta”package.Bayesian network analysis using the Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of different rTMS protocol interventions.Network meta-analysis results of 18 randomized controlled trials regarding lower extremity motor function recovery revealed that low-frequency rTMS had better efficacy in promoting lower extremity motor function recovery than sham stimulation.Network meta-analysis results of five randomized controlled trials demonstrated that highfrequency rTMS led to higher amplitudes of motor evoked potentials than low-frequency rTMS or sham stimulation.These findings suggest that rTMS can improve motor function in patients with stroke,and that low-frequency rTMS mainly affects motor function,whereas high-frequency rTMS increases the amplitudes of motor evoked potentials.More highquality randomized controlled trials are needed to validate this conclusion.The work was registered in PROSPERO(registration No.CRD42020147055)on April 28,2020.

Changing paradigms in lower extremity reconstruction in war-related injuries

Background: Ballistic high-energy trauma has substantially increased the severity of non-fatal extremity injuries incurred in modern warfare. Expedient medical care, refinement in surgical techniques, and soft tissue coverage have brought about a paradigm shift in the management of lower extremity wounds during the last decade with an increased emphasis on limb salvage.Methods: A literature-based study was conducted to analyze reconstructive modalities based on the location, depth, and severity of wounds, as well as mechanism of injury, concomitant vascular injuries and open fractures, choice of flap, timing of definitive reconstruction, and complications.Results: Extremity injuries account for over 60% of injuries in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the majority secondary to explosive devices. The severity of these injuries is profound compared with civilian registries, and conventional injury scoring systems have failed to accurately predict outcomes in combat trauma. The mainstay of treatment is serial debridement, negative pressure therapy, fracture stabilization, and treatment of concomitant injuries by the forward medical teams with subsequent definitive reconstruction after transport to an advanced military treatment facility. Autologous reconstruction with free tissue transfer and pedicled flaps remains the primary modality for soft tissue coverage in limb salvage. Adjunct innovative modalities, such as external tissue expansion, dermal substitutes, and regenerative matrices, have also been successfully utilized for limb salvage.Conclusion: Lower extremity injuries account for the vast majority of injuries in modern warzones. Explosive devices represent the most common mechanism of injury, with blast impact leading to extensive soft tissue injuries necessitating complex reconstructive strategies. Serial debridement, negative pressure therapy, and autologous reconstruction with free tissue transfer and pedicled flaps remain the mainstay of treatment in recent conflicts.

Clinical effect of ultrasound-guided nerve block and dexmedetomidine anesthesia on lower extremity operative fracture reduction

BACKGROUND Lower extremity fractures are mainly treated by surgical reduction,but this operation is often affected by the patient’s level of agitation and the type of anesthesia used.The main treatment for lower-extremity fractures is operative reduction.However,operations can often be affected by both agitation and the degree of anesthesia.Therefore,it is of great importance to develop an effective anesthesia program to effectively ensure the progress of surgery.AIM To discuss the effect of ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with dexmedetomidine anesthesia in lower extremity fracture surgery.METHODS A total of 120 hospital patients with lower extremity fractures were selected for this retrospective study and divided into an observation group(n=60)and a control group(n=60)according to the anesthesia scheme;the control group received ultrasound-guided nerve block;the observation group was treated with dextromethomidine on the basis of the control group,and the mean arterial pressure,heart rate(HR),and blood oxygen saturation were observed in the two groups.RESULTS The mean arterial pressure of T1,T2 and T3 in the observation group were 94.40±7.10,90.84±7.21 and 91.03±6.84 mmHg,significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The observation group’s HR at T1 was 76.60±7.52 times/min,significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);The observation group’s HR at T2 and T3 was 75.40±8.03 times/min and 76.64±7.11 times/min,significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The observation group’s visual analog score at 2 h,6 h and 12 h after operation was 3.55±0.87,2.84±0.65 and 2.05±0.40.the recovery time was 15.51±4.21 min,significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Six hours post-anesthesia,epinephrine and norepinephrine in the observation group were 81.10±21.19 pg/mL and 510.20±98.27 pg/mL,significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05),and the mini-mental state exam score of the observation group was 25.51±1.15,significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with dexmedetomidine has a good anesthetic effect in the operation of lower limb fractures and has little effect on the hemodynamics of patients.

Effect of ankle versus thigh tourniquets on post-operative pain in foot and ankle surgery

BACKGROUND Tourniquets are commonly used in elective extremity orthopaedic surgery to reduce blood loss,improve visualization in the surgical field,and to potentially reduce surgical time.There is a lack of consensus in existing guidelines regarding the optimal tourniquet pressure,placement site,and duration of use.There is a paucity of data on the relationship between the site of a tourniquet and postoperative pain in foot and ankle surgery.AIM To explore the relationship between tourniquet site and intensity of post-operative pain scores in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery.METHODS Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 201 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery in a single institution was undertaken.Intraoperative tourniquet duration,tourniquet pressure and site,and postoperative pain scores using Visual Analogue Score were collected in immediate recovery,at six hours and at 24 h post-op.Scatter plots were used to analyse the data and to assess for the statistical correlation between tourniquet pressure,duration,site,and pain scores using Pearson correlation coefficient.RESULTS All patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery had tourniquet pressure of 250 mmHg for ankle tourniquet and 300 mmHg for thigh.There was no correlation between the site of the tourniquet and pain scores in recovery,at six hours and after 24 h.There was a weak correlation between tourniquet time and Visual Analogue Score immediately post-op(r=0.14,P=0.04)but not at six or 24 h post-operatively.CONCLUSION This study shows that there was no statistically significant correlation between tourniquet pressure,site and postop pain in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.The choice of using a tourniquet is based on the surgeon's preference,with the goal of minimizing the duration of its application at the operative site.

Therapeutic effect of autologous concentrated growth factor on lower-extremity chronic refractory wounds:A case report

BACKGROUND Management of chronic refractory wounds is one of the toughest clinical challenges for surgeons.Because of poor blood supply,less tissue coverage,and easy exposure,the lower leg is a common site for chronic refractory wounds.The current therapeutic regimens often lead to prolonged hospital stay and higher healthcare costs.Concentrated growth factor(CGF)is a novel blood extract that contains various growth factors,platelets,and fibrins to promote wound healing process.However,there has been little research reported on the treatment of lower extremity wounds with CGF.CASE SUMMARY A 37-year-old man,without any past medical history,presented an ulcerated chronic wound on his right lower leg.The skin defect exhibited clear boundaries,with a size of 2.0 cm×3.5 cm.The depth of wound was up to the layer of deep fascia.Staphylococcus aureus was detected by bacterial culture.The final diagnosis was right lower extremity ulcers with infection.Cefathiamidine,silver sulfadiazine,and mupirocin cream were applied to control the infection.CGF gel was prepared from the patient’s blood sample,and was used to cover the wound after thorough debridement.The skin wound was successfully healed after three times of CGF treatment.CONCLUSION CGF displays an excellent wound healing promoting effect in patients with lowerextremity chronic refractory wounds.