Biomedical subjects

L A Lavery

Publications and source records attributed to L A Lavery.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Leukocytosis is a poor indicator of acute osteomyelitis of the foot in diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this article is to describe the frequency of leukocytosis and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate in a series of diabetics with acute foot infections and osteomyelitis due to neuropathic foot ulcerations. The authors reviewed the admission records of 28 type II diabetic patients admitted to University Hospital in San Antonio, Texas between January 1, 1990 and December 30, 1992 with acute osteomyelitis of the foot secondary to neuropathic ulceration. The mean white blood cell count on admission for all subjects studied was calculated at 11.9 +/- 5.4 x 10(3) cells/mm3. Of all white blood cell counts collected for patients admitted with acute osteomyelitis of the foot, 54% were within normal limits. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in 96% of patients. Oral temperature was normal in 82% of patients. The authors conclude that a normal white cell count should not deter one from taking appropriate action to mitigate the propagation of a potentially limb-threatening foot infection.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Monitoring neuropathic ulcer healing with infrared dermal thermometry.

The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate skin temperatures at the site of neuropathic ulceration before, during, and after wound healing using the contralateral extremity as a physiologic control and to evaluate variables that may influence skin temperature gradients. We studied 17 male and 8 female diabetics with mean age and duration of diabetes of 52.4 +/- 11.6 years and 13.8 +/- 7.8 years with grade I (Meggitt-Wagner) plantar ulcers. All patients received weekly cast changes with wound and skin temperature assessments. After healing, all patients were fitted with prescription shoe gear. Temperatures on the ulcerated foot were higher than those on the contralateral foot on initial presentation (91.1 vs. 84.2 degrees F, t = 8.9, p < 0.0001, 95% Cl 5.3 to 8.5), but the same following healing. Patients with vibration perception thresholds greater than 45 V had wider skin temperature gradients than those with lesser degrees of sensory neuropathy (8.8 +/- 4.1 vs. 4.9 +/- 2.5 degrees F, p = 0.007). Additionally, subjects with toe brachial indices below 0.60 had greater skin temperature gradients at the site of ulceration than those with higher indices (9.4 +/- 4.0 vs. 5.8 +/- 3.4 degrees F, p = 0.01). There was not a significant difference in initial skin temperature gradients by duration of wound prior to treatment, duration of wound healing, sex, maximum plantar pressure, or hemoglobin A1C level.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Classification of diabetic foot wounds.

Foot ulcers in persons with diabetes are one of the most common precursors to lower extremity amputation. Appropriate care of the diabetic foot ulceration requires a clear, descriptive classification system that may be used to direct appropriate therapy and possibly predict outcome. Ideally, this system would be used by all participants in a multidisciplinary limb salvage team. We describe a clinical classification system for diabetic foot wounds that evaluates wound depth, the presence of infection, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease in every category of the wound assessment. The goal of this system is to improve communication, leading to a less complex, more predictable treatment course and, ultimately, an improved result.

Diabetic Foot↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Is prophylactic diabetic foot surgery dangerous?

Any treatment rendered to the deformed, insensate foot should be undertaken with the prime intentions of reducing the potential for future limb-threatening events and allowing the patient to continue as an ambulatory, productive member of society. The purpose of this article is to compare morbidity and outcomes of elective foot surgery among diabetics and nondiabetics with isolated toe deformities. We compared the prevalence of infection, wound complication, and recurrence of ulcers in 31 diabetics and 33 nondiabetics. All of these patients received a single proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty with a mean follow-up of 3 years (range 12 to 61 months). The diabetic group was divided into two subgroups: 1) insensate with deformity, but no history of ulceration, and 2) insensate with deformity and a previous history of ulceration. Diabetics with a history of ulceration were more likely to experience a postoperative infection (14.3%) than neuropathic diabetic patients with no history of ulceration (0%) and nondiabetic subjects (0%) (p = 0.04, Cl = 3.1 to 8.6). There was not a significant difference in prevalence of dehiscence among diabetic and nondiabetic groups (16.1% versus 9.1%, respectively, Cl = 0.4 to 8.8). The long-term outcomes after prophylactic surgery at a site of previous ulceration were uniformly good, with 96.3% of patients remaining ulcer-free a mean of 3 years postoperatively.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A quantitative assessment of healing sandals and postoperative shoes in offloading the neuropathic diabetic foot.

The purpose of this report is to compare plantar pressures between custom healing sandals and postoperative shoes using unmodified prescription shoe gear as a control. Using a repeat measures design, we recorded the plantar forefoot pressures of eight patients classified as diabetic foot category 1 (neuropathy, no significant deformity, no history of ulceration) with each ambulating in three devices: 1) unmodified prescription shoe gear, 2) postoperative shoe gear, and 3) a custom-fabricated healing sandal. Each subject served as his or her own control. The healing sandal significantly reduced plantar forefoot pressure in all areas of the forefoot except the fifth metatarsal head. The postoperative shoe did not significantly reduce pressure at any site in the forefoot when compared with unmodified prescription shoe gear.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The impact of gender on amputation.

The purpose of this report is to compare the proportion of lower extremity amputations among men and women with and without diabetes mellitus. We abstracted data from a database supplied by the State of New York for 14,555 nontraumatic amputations performed from 1990 through 1991, 58.8% of which were performed on patients with diabetes mellitus. We categorized amputations into three different levels (foot, leg, and thigh). Fifty-seven percent of the diabetes mellitus group were male, compared with 50% of the nondiabetic group. Men were younger than women regardless of the level of amputation in both the diabetic and nondiabetic population. Men with and without diabetes were significantly more likely to have a foot amputation, while diabetic and nondiabetic women were more likely to have a thigh amputation. When controlling for age, prevalence of vascular disease was not significantly different by gender in diabetic and nondiabetic groups at all amputation levels.

Age Factors↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Human articular cartilage biomechanics of the second metatarsal intermediate cuneiform joint.

Intrinsic material properties and histomorphometry of freshly frozen, human cadaveric cartilage from the second metatarsal intermediate cuneiform (SMIC) articulation were obtained to provide biomechanical mapping of the surfaces. The biphasic creep indentation methodology and an automated creep indentation apparatus were used to measure aggregate modulus, Poisson's ratio, permeability, shear modulus, and thickness. Biomechanical experiments were performed on four sites of the SMIC joint in 14 specimens (seven pairs): two sites in the second metatarsal base and two sites in the intermediate cuneiform head. Results of the study indicate that no significant variations exist in the biomechanical comparisons between specific articulations, gross articulations, and left and right joints. For example, cartilage from the second metatarsal base and intermediate cuneiform head had an aggregate modulus of 0.99 MPa and 1.05 MPa, respectively. The Poisson's ratio and permeability of all test sites grouped together were found to be 0.08 and 3.05 x 10(-15) m4/N.s, respectively. Cartilage thickness was measured at 0.61 mm. This biomechanical study suggests that similarities in cartilage properties may be beneficial in preventing the human SMIC articulation from developing early degenerative changes. Histological evaluation demonstrated that SMIC cartilage exhibits structural characteristics (such as the absence of chondrocyte columnar arrangement in the deep zone) which may be typical of cartilage that does not experience habitually high compressive stresses. This knowledge could aid surgeons in generating a deeper perspective of the relationship between clinical pathologies of articular cartilage and intrinsic biomechanical etiologies of degenerative joint diseases.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Seasonal variations in lower extremity amputation.

The purpose of this study was to examine seasonal variations in nontraumatic amputation among diabetic and nondiabetic adults. We abstracted data from a database supplied by the state of New York for 14,555 amputations performed in 1990 and 1991. We categorized amputations into three different levels (foot, leg, and thigh). The most common season for a patient with diabetes to receive a lower-extremity amputation was spring (27.0%, p < 0.004; odds ratio 1.1, confidence interval 1.0 to 1.2), while winter was the most common in nondiabetic patients (27.3%, p < 0.005; odds ratio 1.1, confidence interval 1.0 to 1.2). When stratified by amputation level, fewer amputations at the level of the foot occurred during winter in patients with diabetes compared with those without diabetes (24.5% vs. 28.2%, p < 0.002; chi 2MM = 193.1, odds ratio = 1.2, confidence interval = 1.1 to 1.4). Fall was the least common season for amputation at nearly every level for both diabetic and nondiabetic groups, and more diabetic patients presented with an admission diagnosis of vascular disease (74.6% vs. 54.9%, p < 0.0001; chi 2MM = 612.3, odds ratio = 2.4, confidence interval = 2.3 to 2.6). In most diabetic patients, a primary etiologic factor for amputation is an infected neuropathic ulceration brought about or exacerbated by increased activity. By limiting activity, cold weather should act as a protective measure. The data in this study seem to support this notion.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Is electrical stimulation effective in reducing neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes?

Pulsed-dose electrical stimulation is evaluated as an analgesic modality in patients-with painful diabetic neuropathy. Using a knitted silver-plated nylon/dacron stocking electrode, patients were given electrical stimulation over the course of 1 month. Pain was measured weekly, using a 10-cm. visual analog scale. Pain measurements at the end of the 4-week therapy and at 1 month after complete discontinuation of therapy were significantly lower than at the initiation of therapy. The results of this pilot study suggest that nocturnal doses of pulsed-electrical stimulation may be effective in alleviating subjective, burning, diabetic neuropathic pain in a population consisting of patients with grossly intact protective sensation, relatively good distal vascular perfusion and less than ideal glucose control. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first analytic report of pulsed-dose electrical nerve stimulation delivered through a stocking electrode for treatment of symptomatic diabetic neuropathy in medical literature.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effectiveness of diabetic insoles to reduce foot pressures.

The F-Scan system was used to measure peak plantar pressures in 11 diabetics each with a unilateral great toe amputation and an intact contralateral extremity (nonamputated), to evaluate the effectiveness of five footwear-insole strategies: 1) extra-depth shoes without an insole, 2) extra-depth shoes with a Plastizote insole, 3) extra-depth shoes with a Plastizote insole and a metatarsal pad, 4) extra-depth shoes with a Plastizote insole and a medial longitudinal arch pad, and 5) extra-depth shoes with a Plastizote insole and a combination of metatarsal pad and arch pad. When we compared extra-depth shoes with and without insoles, peak pressures were significantly reduced with insoles under the first metatarsal, the lesser metatarsals, and the heel (p < 0.001) in feet with and without an amputation, as well as under the great toe on the contralateral foot (nonamputated, p < 0.001), but not under the lesser toes (giant toe, p = 0.088; nonamputated, p = 0.763). There was no significant difference between the different insole modifications.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Outcomes of transmetatarsal amputations in patients with diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this study was to report on the long-term outcomes of transmetatarsal amputations secondary to sequelae of diabetes mellitus. We abstracted data from 35 diabetic patients receiving a transmetatarsal amputation over a 6-month period in 1992. Patients were followed for a mean 15.1 +/- 10.1 months. The results indicated that the most predictive factor determining higher level amputation (transfemoral or transtibial) appeared to be the actual indication for surgery (90.0% ischemia versus 4.0% infection, chi 2 = 21.7, odds ratio = 220, 95% confidence interval = 12.5-3885.0, p < 0.05). Those with a diagnosis of infection without underlying critical ischemia were significantly more likely to heal at the level of the foot. While all patients presenting for care had dramatically impaired nutritional values and elevated glucose, albumin was significantly lower in subjects receiving a transfemoral or transtibial revision. High-level amputees were also significantly less likely to have been prescribed depth-inlay shoe gear prior to their amputation (48.0% vs. 10.0%, chi 2 = 4.4, odds ratio = 8.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.0-75.7, p < 0.05). Those with a diagnosis of infection without underlying critical ischemia were significantly more likely to heal at the level of the foot. Though revision rates are high, the success rates are also high if that is defined as retaining the foot and providing a prosthesis-free normal gait.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The natural history of great toe amputations.

The purpose of this study is to report the prevalence of reamputation following resection of the great toe and first ray in adults with diabetes. We abstracted the medical records of 90 diabetic great-toe and first-ray amputees admitted between 1981 and 1991. The most common etiologies of initial amputations were ulcer with soft tissue infection (39%), ulcer with osteomyelitis (32%), and puncture wounds (12%). Sixty percent of all patients had a second amputation, 21% had a third, and 7% had a fourth. Fifteen percent of the patients who had a second amputation had it contralaterally. Seventeen percent subsequently underwent a below-knee amputation and 11% had a Transmetatarsal amputation on the same extremity, 3% had a below-knee amputation, and 2% a transmetatarsal amputation contralaterally. The mean time from the first to the second amputation was approximately 10 months. The results of this study suggest that a large proportion of patients undergoing an amputation at the level of the great toe or first ray have subsequent amputations in the first year following the initial procedure. Additionally, it appears that the contralateral foot may be at significant risk for distal amputation following resection of the hallux or first day.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The benefit of electrical stimulation to enhance perfusion in persons with diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of galvanic electrical stimulation on vascular perfusion in diabetic patients. Nineteen subjects with diabetes were enrolled. Eleven subjects (57.9%) were diagnosed with impaired peripheral perfusion based upon their initial transcutaneous oximetry values (< 40 mm Hg). The subjects were studied over a 2-day period. On the 1st day, one foot was electrically stimulated for four 60-minute periods by an external electrical stimulation device. Vascular perfusion of both feet was assessed before and after the sessions of electrical stimulation. On the 2nd day, no electrical stimulation was applied and noninvasive vascular measurements were repeated. For the 1st hour, transcutaneous oxygen pressure was measured continuously during stimulation at the lateral aspect of the leg. Subsequently, perfusion between the periods of stimulation was measured on the dorsum of the foot with both transcutaneous oximetry and laser Doppler flowmetry after each stimulation period. In the group with impaired peripheral perfusion, a significant rise in tissue oxygenation as compared to the control measurements was measured during the first 5 minutes of stimulation (p < .040). For those without vascular disease (TcpO2 > 40 mm Hg) however, there was not a significant increase compared to baseline (p = .280). After the periods of stimulation, the stimulated feet did not show any higher perfusion levels than the control feet. Patterns in perfusion during the day, as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry, were similar in the tested feet and in the controls. These data suggest that external subsensory electrical stimulation induces a transient rise in skin perfusion in persons with diabetes and impaired peripheral perfusion.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of increased weight on peak pressures: implications for obesity and diabetic foot pathology.

The purpose of this study was to determine if increased weight contributes to increased mean peak plantar foot pressures when foot function, deformity, and structure are controlled. Ten male and nine female volunteers without sensory neuropathy or other systemic disease were evaluated in the study. Using a repeated measures design, peak plantar foot pressures were compared using the Novel Pedar in-shoe pressure measurement system under three conditions. Baseline measurements were made while volunteers wore the standard test footwear, a thin-soled rubber oxford sneaker. The second and third test conditions involved pressure measurements with an additional 9.1 kg (20 lb) and 18.2 kg (40 lb), respectively, of weight evenly distributed in pockets on the front and back of a workout vest. There was a significant increase in mean peak plantar foot pressures under the metatarsal heads, heel, and midfoot for each incremental increase of weight (baseline vs. 9.1 kg, p < .05; 9.1 kg vs. 18.2 kg, p < .05). The authors conclude that increases in weight increased plantar foot pressures for the first metatarsal, lesser metatarsal, midfoot, and heel regions in both men and women.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Is there a critical level of plantar foot pressure to identify patients at risk for neuropathic foot ulceration?

The purpose of this study was to identify a point along the spectrum of peak plantar forefoot pressure that has an optimum combination of sensitivity and specificity to screen for neuropathic ulceration. We enrolled 219 diabetic patients in this case-control study in an approximate 2:1 control:case ratio. Cases were defined as patients with an active or recently healed neuropathic ulceration. Controls were defined as those with no history of ulceration. All patients had peak plantar pressures analyzed with the EMED gait analysis system. Peak plantar pressure was, as expected, significantly higher for patients with ulcers compared to controls [83.1 +/- 24.7 N/cm2 (range, 10-125) vs. 62.7 +/- 24.4 N/cm2 (range, 7.3-113), p < .001]. The ulcer group was clearly skewed toward a higher prevalence of elevated peak plantar forefoot pressure compared with the control group, which displayed the opposite trend (control group skewness = 0.286, kurtosis = -0.482; ulcer group skewness = -0.389, kurtosis = -0.289). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal cut-point, as determined by a balance of sensitivity and specificity was 70 N/cm2, which yielded a sensitivity of 70.0% and a specificity of 65.1%. We concluded that, while there is no optimal cut-point for clearly screening patients for risk of foot ulceration, the higher the peak pressure, the higher the commensurate risk.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cost of diabetes-related amputations in minorities.

The objective of this study was to identify the direct cost and length of hospitalization of diabetes-related lower extremity amputations among Hispanics, African Americans, non-Hispanic whites, and Asians. The authors used a database from the office of Statewide Planning and Development in California that identified all hospitalizations for lower extremity amputations in the state in 1991. Amputation level was defined by the ICD-9-CM codes 84.11-84.18. The total hospital charges for diabetes-related lower extremity amputations for the state of California in 1991 was $141 million. The mean hospital charge (HC) per patient with all ethnic groups combined was $27,930; and the mean length of stay (LOS) was 15.9 days. African Americans had significantly higher mean charges ($32,383) and longer stays (17.3 days) compared to all other ethnic groups (p < .05). Toe-level amputations had lower HC (p < .05) and LOS (p < .01) than other amputation levels for all race groups. One-quarter of the population received multiple amputations during their hospital stay. These patients incurred significantly higher hospital charges ($44,731) and stayed in the hospital longer (23.4 days) than those receiving only a single amputation. There was a considerable variation in the HC and LOS among ethnic groups by level of amputation. The direct charges reported in this study suggest considerably higher overall direct costs than have been previously reported in the medical literature. The greater burden of disease experienced by African Americans is probably related to their higher amputation cost and longer hospitalization.

Black or African American↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effects of diabetes mellitus on the material properties of human metatarsal bones.

While some investigations have focused on the effect of diabetes on the material properties of connective tissue in both the human and animal model, no study to date has investigated the effects of the disease process on human metatarsal bones. This investigation compared the material properties of human metatarsal bones from young diabetic donors (51.3 +/- 8 years) and older nondiabetic donors (72.3 +/- 10 years). The results demonstrated no significant differences between the two groups. This would seem to suggest that the effects of aging are comparable to the effects of diabetes on the structural integrity of human metatarsal bones.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Acquired fibrokeratoma of the heel.

Acquired fibrokeratomas traditionally have been classified by both appearance and anatomical location. They are benign, solitary lesions that characteristically involve the digits of the hands and feet. The authors present a case with unusual involvement of the plantar surface of the heel.

Adult↗