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 short-term result of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) in treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in lower extremity. Methods A total of 289 cases of acute DVT in lower extremity who got treatment in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian City People’s Hospital and Xuzhou Central Hospital from March 2013 to December 2014 were enrolled prospectively, and of them, 125 cases of system thrombolysis (ST) group underwent ST, 164 cases of CDT group underwent inferior vena cava filter placement (IVCF)+CDT. Clinical effect was compared between the 2 groups. Results Clinical symptoms of all cases were obviously relieved, and limb swelling was significantly reduced. Of the CDT group, 73 cases presented iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS), and 43 cases of them underwent the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent implantation. In CDT group, there was 1 case complicated by catheter displacement, 10 cases suffered from puncture site ecchymosis, 3 cases suffered from hematuria. In ST group, there was 1 case suffered from pulmonary embolism (PE), 14 cases suffered from bleeding gums, 22 cases suffered from hematuria, 3 cases suffered from skin and mucosa petechia, and 2 cases suffered from melena (didn’t need transfusion). The morbidity of ST group was higher than that of CDT group (P=0.002). There were 18 cases suffered from recurrence in ST group, 15 cases suffered from recurrence in CDT group, but there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the 2 groups (P=0.786). In addition, the dosage of urokinase, thrombolysis time, blood vessel patency score, thigh circumference after treatment, and calf circumference after treatment in ST group were all higher than those of CDT group (P<0.050), but the Villalta score in ST group was lower than that of CDT group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in hospital stay (P=0.383). Conclusion For acute DVT in lower extremity, CDT has a superior short-term outcome with safety and feasibility.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of low molecular weight heparin combined with aspirin for perioperative prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with lower extremity fracture after splenectomy. MethodsThe clinical data of 50 patients with splenic rupture combined with lower extremity fracture between January 2009 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were given enoxaparin sodium at 48 hours after splenectomy, and stopped at 24 hours before fracture surgery. After fracture surgery, the patients were divided into aspirin group (group A, 15 cases), low molecular weight heparin group (group B, 16 cases), and low molecular weight heparin combined with aspirin group (group C, 19 cases) according to different anticoagulation regimens. The treatment course was 28 days. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, cause of injury, fracture site, time from injury to operation, complications, and other general data between groups (P>0.05). The occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was observed; hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (PLT), D-D dimer, and fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) were recorded before operation and at 1, 3, and 7 days after operation, and the effect of anticoagulation regimen on coagulation function was observed. The incidences of wound complications and bleeding related complications were recorded, and the total perioperative blood loss, hidden blood loss, and overt blood loss were calculated. Results The incidences of VTE in groups A, B, and C were 13.33% (2/15), 12.50% (2/16), and 5.26% (1/19), respectively, and there was no significant difference between groups (χ2=0.770, P=0.680). There was no portal vein thrombosis and no VTE-related death in the 3 groups. There was no significant difference in the levels of Hb, PLT, D-D dimer, and FDP between groups before and after operation (P>0.05); and there was no significant difference in total perioperative blood loss, hidden blood loss, and overt blood loss between groups (P>0.05). No local skin necrosis was found in all patients. In group A, 1 case occurred redness and swelling of incision; in group B, 1 case had incision discharge, redness, and swelling, and 1 case had fat liquefaction; in group C, 1 case had repeated incision exudation accompanied by local tissue redness and swelling, and 1 case had local hematoma. The incidences of adverse incision in groups A, B, and C were 6.66% (1/15), 12.50% (2/16), and 11.76% (2/19), respectively, with no significant difference (χ2=0.302, P=0.860). There were 4 cases of bleeding related complications, including 1 case of incision ecchymosis in groups A and B respectively, with the incidence of 6.66% and 6.25%, respectively; there was 1 case of incision hematoma and 1 case of bleeding in group C, with the incidence of 11.76%; showing no significant difference in the incidence of bleeding related complications between groups (χ2=0.268, P=0.875). Conclusion Perioperative combined use of low molecular weight heparin and aspirin for prevention of anticoagulation in patients with splenic rupture and lower extremity fracture can effectively prevent the occurrence of VTE without increasing the incidence of complications, which is an effective and safe treatment method. However, whether the incidence of VTE can be reduced needs to be further studied by expanding the sample size.
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.
ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between the Barthel index score and other factors with the preoperative occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision surgery. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 122 patients who met the inclusion criteria and underwent THA revision surgery between April 2017 and November 2020. Among them, 61 were male and 61 were female, with an age range of 32-85 years (mean, 65.3 years). The reasons for revision included prosthetic joint infection in 7 cases, periprosthetic fracture in 4 cases, prosthetic dislocation in 6 cases, and aseptic loosening in 105 cases. The Barthel index score was 76.4±17.7, with 10 cases classified as level 1, 57 as level 2, 37 as level 3, and 18 as level 4. Univariate analysis was performed on variables such as age, gender, body mass index, Barthel index score, preoperative D-dimer positivity, history of diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cerebral infarction, smoking, and thrombosis in patients with and without preoperative DVT. Furthermore, logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for preoperative DVT in THA revision surgery. The incidence of preoperative DVT was compared among different Barthel index score groups. ResultsPreoperative DVT was detected in 11 patients (9.02%), all of whom had intermuscular venous thrombosis. Among them, 1 had prosthetic joint infection, 1 had periprosthetic fracture, 1 had prosthetic dislocation, and 8 had aseptic loosening. Univariate analysis showed significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, and Barthel index score (P<0.05). logistic regression further revealed that female, age ≥70 years, and Barthel index score<60 were independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in patients undergoing THA revision surgery (P<0.05). The incidence of preoperative DVT in patients with Barthel index scores of levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 0 case (0%), 2 cases (3.5%), 3 cases (8.1%), and 6 cases (33.3%), respectively. A significant correlation was found between Barthel index score classification and the incidence of preoperative DVT in patients undergoing THA revision surgery (χ2=10.843, P=0.001). ConclusionIn patients undergoing THA revision surgery, older age, female, and lower Barthel index scores are associated with higher preoperative DVT incidence. For patients with low preoperative Barthel index scores, preoperative thrombosis screening should be emphasized.
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 evaluate the efficiency and safety of combinative use of radiofrequency and transilluminated powered phlebectomy for treatment of varicose veins of lower extremity. Methods Three hundred and twenty-one cases of varicose veins of lower extremity were randomly divided into three groups: group A (102 cases)： endovenouser whole range closure in situ for great saphenous vein by radiofrequency and transilluminated powered phlebectomy for varicose veins of leg; group B (97 cases)： endovenouser whole range closure in situ for upper leg part of great saphenous vein by radiofrequency and transilluminated powered phlebectomy for varicose veins of leg; 122 conventional treatment cases, which high ligation and stripping of great saphenous vein, blood vessel branches and communicating branches resection and ligation were used, were selected as controlled group (group C). Consequences and complications of operation were checked. Results In all cases, the symptoms of swelling in lower extremity, soreness and infirmity disappeared within one month after operation, skin pigmentation was alleviated within one month after operation, and disappeared gradually within three months. Contrasting three groups in complications of skin numbness of legs, ecchymosis of upper leg, wound hematoma, and swelling below ankle, there was no statistical difference between group A and B, and there was statistical difference between group A and C, and B and C. There were more complications in conventional group than those in mini-invasive groups. There was no statistical difference in leg ecchymosisa between group B and C. No deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity and incision infection was detected in all cases. Conclusion It is simple and definitely efficient to combine radiofrequency with transilluminated powered phlebectomy for treatment of varicose veins of lower extremity. Powered phlebectomy is efficient in removal of varicose vein, but not suitable for phlebectomy for trunk of great saphenous vein.
Objective A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to study the effectiveness and safety of intravenous different doses tranexamic acid (TXA) in single-level unilateral minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). Methods The patients treated with single-level unilateral MIS-TLIF between September 2019 and October 2020 were enrolled and randomly classified into low-dose TXA (LD) group (n=39), high-dose TXA (HD) group (n=39), and placebo-controlled (PC) group (n=38). The LD, HD, and PC groups received intravenous TXA 20 mg/kg, TXA 50 mg/kg, the same volume of normal saline at 30 minute before skin incision after general anesthesia, respectively. There was no significant difference on baseline characteristics and preoperative laboratory results among 3 groups (P>0.05), including age, gender, body mass index, surgical segments, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), D-dimer, fibrin degradation products (FDP), activated partial prothromboplastin time (APTT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr), urea. The intraoperative blood loss (IBL), postoperative drainage volume, operation time, total blood loss (TBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), blood transfusion, hematological examination indexes on the first day after operation, and the incidence of complications within 1 month were compared among the 3 groups. Results There were 3, 2, and 4 patients in the LD, HD, and PC groups who underwent autologous blood transfusion, respectively, and there was no allogeneic blood transfusion patients in the 3 groups. There was no significant difference in IBL, postoperative drainage volume, and operation time between groups (P>0.05). The TBL, HBL, and the decreased value of HGB in LD and HD groups were significantly lower than those in PC group (P<0.05), and TBL and HBL in HD group were significantly lower than those in LD group (P<0.05); the decreased value of HGB between LD group and HD group showed no significant difference (P>0.05). On the first day after operation, D-dimer in LD and HD groups were significantly lower than that in PC group (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between LD and HD groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in other hematological indexes between groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 1 month, and there was no TXA-related complication such as deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity, pulmonary embolism, and epilepsy in the 3 groups. ConclusionIntravenous administration of TXA in single-level unilateral MIS-TLIF is effective and safe in reducing postoperative TBL and HBL within 1 day in a dose-dependent manner. Also, TXA can reduce postoperative fibrinolysis markers and do not increase the risk of thrombotic events, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress in the lower limb lengthening by intramedullary nail. MethodsThe domestic and foreign related literature about the lower limb lengthening by intramedullary nail was reviewed, summarized, and analyzed. ResultsThe intramedullary nail lengthening systems can be divided into 3 types:distraction by mechanical strength, by motorized electronic power, or by motorized magnetic force. The new technology has obvious advantages in complication incidence, limb function, bone healing rate, comfortable and cosmetic degree of the patients, and hospitalization days compared with the external fixation, but it also has the disadvantages including lengthening failure of system breakdown, intramedullary infection, injuries of vessel and nerve, limited distraction length, and expensive price of the apparatus. And the method also has several contraindications:narrow medulla, multiple curves of medulla, osteomyelitis, skin infection, and unclosed epiphyseal plate. ConclusionThe lower limb lengthening by intramedullary nail is a major improvement of Ilizarov technology. Although the method has been used in limited cases, the preliminary clinical results are excellent, and it can be regarded as a new trend of the limb lengthening, bone reconstruction, and deformity correction.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of lower extremity axial distractor (LEAD) and traction table assisted closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation in treatment of femoral subtrochanteric fracture. Methods The clinical data of 117 patients with subtrochanteric fracture of femur treated by closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation between May 2012 and May 2022 who met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. According to the auxiliary reduction tools used during operation, the patients were divided into LEAD group (62 cases with LEAD reduction) and traction table group (55 cases with traction table reduction). There was no significant difference in baseline data, such as gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, fracture Seinsheimer classification, time from injury to operation, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, between the two groups (P>0.05). Total incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, closed reduction rate, fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, weight-bearing activity time, and incidence of complications, as well as hip flexion and extension range of motion (ROM), Harris score, and VAS score at 1 month and 6 months after operation and last follow-up were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results There were 14 cases in the LEAD group from closed reduction to limited open reduction, and 43 cases in the traction table group. The incisions in the LEAD group healed by first intention, and no complication such as nerve and vascular injury occurred during operation. In the traction table group, 3 cases had perineal crush injury, which recovered spontaneously in 1 week. The total incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, and closed reduction rate in the LEAD group were significantly better than those in the traction table group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the quality of fracture reduction between the two groups (P>0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-44 months, with an average of 15.8 months. In the LEAD group, 1 patient had delayed fracture union at 6 months after operation, 1 patient had nonunion at 3 years after operation, and 1 patient had incision sinus pus flow at 10 months after operation. In the traction table group, there was 1 patient with fracture nonunion at 15 months after operation. X-ray films of the other patients in the two groups showed that the internal fixator was fixed firmly without loosening and the fractures healed. There was no significant difference in fracture healing time, weight bearing activity time, incidence of complications, and postoperative hip flexion and extension ROM, Harris score, and VAS score at different time points between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionFor femoral subtrochanteric fracture treated by close reduction and intramedullary nail fixation, compared with traction table, LEAD assisted fracture reduction can significantly shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative blood loss and fluoroscopy frequency, reduce incision length, effectively improve the success rate of closed reduction, and avoid complications related to traction table reduction. It provides a new method for good reduction of femoral subtrochanteric fracture.