An Effective System of Surgical Treatment of Lymphedema

Background

Effective surgical treatments for lymphedema now can address the fluid and solid phases of the disease process. Microsurgical procedures, including lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), target the fluid component that predominates at earlier stages of the disease. Suction-assisted protein lipectomy (SAPL) addresses the solid component that typically presents later as chronic, nonpitting lymphedema of an extremity. We assess the outcomes of patients who underwent selective application of these three surgical procedures as part of an effective system to treat lymphedema.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of patients with lymphedema who underwent complete decongestive therapy followed by surgical treatment with SAPL, LVA, or VLNT. The primary outcomes measured were postoperative volume reduction (SAPL), daily requirement for compression garments and lymphedema therapy (VLNT and LVA), and the incidence of severe cellulitis.

Results

Twenty-six patients were included in the study, of which 10 underwent SAPL and 16 underwent LVA or VLNT. The average reduction of excess volume by SAPL was 3,212 mL in legs and 943 mL in arms, or a volume reduction of 87 and 111 %, respectively, when compared with the unaffected, opposite sides. Microsurgical procedures (VLNT and LVA) significantly reduced the need for both compression garment use (p = 0.003) and lymphedema therapy (p < 0.0001). The overall rate of cellulitis decreased from 58 % before surgery to 15 % after surgery (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

When applied appropriately to properly selected patients, surgical procedures used in the treatment of lymphedema are effective and safe.     

Athetosis Increases Resting Metabolic Rate in Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Objectives To determine whether resting metabolic rate (RMR) is higher or lower in adults with cerebral palsy compared with the RMR of control subjects and to further examine physical characteristics of cerebral palsy that might affect RMR.Design Twenty-one adults with cerebral palsy (9 women, 12 men) were compared with 50 control subjects (25 men, 25 women) within the same age range (18 through 50 years). The following measurements were made: RMR by indirect calorimetry, anthropometries, body composition, and habitual physical activity patterns. The study was conducted at the University of Vermont General Clinical Research Center and the Ball State University Human Performance Laboratory.Statistical analyses Mean values±standard deviations, t tests, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, analysis of covariance, and stepwise multiple correlation regression analysis were used to examine the relationships among variables of interest.Results No significant differences were found in body weight, body mass index, fat mass, percentage body fat, and measured RMR between the two groups. The subjects with cerebral palsy were significantly shorter, had less fat-free mass, and expended fewer kilocalories in leisure time activities than the control subjects. After statistical adjustment for differences in fat-free mass, the subjects with cerebral palsy had a 14% (P<.001) higher adjusted RMR (1,742 kcal/day) compared with that of the control subjects (1,534 kcal/day). According to stepwise regression analysis, RMR was best predicted in the entire sample by fat-free mass and the presence or absence of athetosis (multiple R=.83, P<.001). The presence of cerebral palsy alone was not significantly correlated with RMR.Conclusions The increased energy requirements of adults with cerebral palsy can be partially explained by athetotic movements. In this sample, the presence of athetosis increased RMR by an average of 524 kcal/day. JAm Diet Assoc. 1995; 95:145-148.     

Postoperative rehabilitation of the multiple-ligament reconstructed knee

Rehabilitation following multiple-ligament reconstruction continues to evolve although basic scientific principles continue to form the foundation for all current protocols. The protocols presented have been implemented following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)/posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), ACL/PCL/posterolateral complex (PLC), ACL/PCL/medial cruciate ligament (MCL), and ACL/PLC reconstructive procedures. They are designed to allow for optimal healing during the maximum and moderate protection phases, and to restore mobility and function during the final stage. These protocols should serve as guidelines only, and modifications may be necessary based on graft selection, presence of articular cartilage involvement, and surgeon preference.     

Exercise Habits and Tobacco Use Among Male Latino Farmworkers

ABSTRACT

Migrant farmworkers risk occupational injury and are at risk for developing chronic health conditions. Exercise may enhance health and help to reduce the risk of occupational injury and/or reduce the risk of developing a chronic health condition. Little is known, however, about the exercise habits of Latino migrant farmworkers. Male Latino migrant farmworkers completed an exercise and health habits questionnaire at health screening clinics. One hundred fifty-three (58.2%) subjects reported exercising during the week. There was no difference in age between those who reported exercising and those who did not (p = .78). Only 42 (16%) of all workers reported exercising for 3 or more hours a week. Seventeen percent of the subjects reported smoking and almost 10% reported chewing tobacco. A majority of subjects do not meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exercise guidelines. Tobacco use is highest among individuals who do not exercise. These findings suggest the need for health education interventions for this population. Additional studies are warranted to understand exercise and health habits of this population.     

Lateral and syndesmotic ankle sprain injuries: a narrative literature review

Objective

The purpose of this article is to review the literature that discusses normal anatomy and biomechanics of the foot and ankle, mechanisms that may result in a lateral ankle sprain or syndesmotic sprain, and assessment and diagnostic procedures, and to present a treatment algorithm based on normal ligament healing principles.

Methods

Literature was searched for years 2000 to 2010 in PubMed and CINAHL. Key search terms were ankle sprain$, ankle injury and ankle injuries, inversion injury, proprioception, rehabilitation, physical therapy, anterior talofibular ligament, syndesmosis, syndesmotic injury, and ligament healing.

Discussion

Most ankle sprains respond favorably to nonsurgical treatment, such as those offered by physical therapists, doctors of chiropractic, and rehabilitation specialists. A comprehensive history and examination aid in diagnosing the severity and type of ankle sprain. Based on the diagnosis and an understanding of ligament healing properties, a progressive treatment regimen can be developed. During the acute inflammatory phase, the goal of care is to reduce inflammation and pain and to protect the ligament from further injury. During the reparative and remodeling phase, the goal is to progress the rehabilitation appropriately to facilitate healing and restore the mechanical strength and proprioception. Radiographic imaging techniques may need to be used to rule out fractures, complete ligament tears, or instability of the ankle mortise. A period of immobilization and ambulating with crutches in a nonweightbearing gait may be necessary to allow for proper ligament healing before commencing a more active treatment approach. Surgery should be considered in the case of grade 3 syndesmotic sprain injuries or those ankle sprains that are recalcitrant to conservative care.

Conclusion

An accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment can minimize an athlete's time lost from sport and prevent future reinjury. Most ankle sprains can be successfully managed using a nonsurgical approach.     

Reliability of a novel approach for quadriceps motor point assessment

Introduction: We studied the ability of clinicians to identify quadriceps motor points using a transcutaneous electrical stimulation unit (TENS). Methods: Twenty‐two certified athletic trainers and 1 expert‐rater identified the 7 motor points of the quadriceps at 2 time‐points separated by 1 week. The difference was calculated between where each participant and the expert‐rater identified each motor point using an x–y coordinate system. Bland–Altman plots were used to compare differences between 2 testing sessions. Results: No differences were observed between participants and the expert‐rater for motor point location. The smallest variability in the limits of agreements were observed in the distal vastus medialis oblique (–1.89 to 1.86 cm) and proximal vastus lateralis (–1.61 to 2.35 cm). Discussion: Our results suggest the utilization of a TENS unit may be 1 way to identify quadriceps motor points to improve electrical stimulation applications. The smallest limits of agreement were over the most common quadriceps electrical stimulation electrode positions. Muscle Nerve 57 : E1–E7, 2018