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At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Clinical outcomes of untreated symptomatic patients with negative findings on sonography of the thigh for deep vein thrombosis: our experience and a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether immediate venography or other additional imaging is necessary in symptomatic patients who have negative findings on sonography of the thigh for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes of 146 patients with physical signs or symptoms consistent with DVT in whom sonography of the thigh was negative for DVT. We combined our results with those of three prospective studies that evaluated symptomatic patients with suspected DVT in whom sonography of the thigh had negative findings. Propagated DVT (from calf to thigh) and pulmonary emboli were considered adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Only one pulmonary embolus (0.7%) occurred in our patient population. However, one (7.7%) of 13 patients who underwent second examinations because of persistent symptoms developed thigh DVT. Review of the literature found four (0.2%) of 1797 patients subsequently developed pulmonary emboli after undergoing sonography of the thigh that was initially interpreted as having negative findings. Fifteen (12.5%) of 120 patients who underwent second sonographic examinations developed DVT of the thigh. No deaths from pulmonary emboli occurred in patients in our study or patients in the studies published in the medical literature. CONCLUSION: Immediate venography or other additional imaging is not necessary in symptomatic patients in whom sonography of the thigh is negative for DVT, given the exceedingly low risk of a pulmonary embolus. Follow-up sonography is indicated in persistently symptomatic patients to detect propagation of calf DVT into the thigh.

False Negative Reactions↗
PubMed1997

Thigh muscle size and strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and rehabilitation.

It is the hypothesis of the senior author (GAA) that high circumference measurements are not an accurate reflection of thigh muscle cross-sectional area or muscle strength after standard rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Likewise, normal quadriceps femoris strength is not achieved in these patients despite aggressive rehabilitation. The purpose of our study was to quantify thigh muscle size and strength and correlate thigh circumference, muscle cross-sectional area by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and isokinetic strength in our patients. Thirty-three patients with anterior cruciate ligament repair utilizing autografts of iliotibial band (N = 28), semitendinosus autograft (N = 3), and bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft (N = 2) were retrospectively evaluated 48.7 +/- 6.91 months after surgery. We compared involved operated extremities with uninjured, uninvolved contralateral extremities, measuring thigh circumference, isokinetic peak torque, and cross-sectional area by MRI. We found a significant 1.8% decrease in thigh circumference, a 10% decrease in average quadriceps torque, and a 8.6% decrease in quadriceps cross-sectional area by MRI in the involved extremities compared with the uninvolved extremities. A positive correlation between MRI cross-sectional area, quadriceps, and hamstring peak torque was recorded in involved and uninvolved extremities. A positive correlation between thigh circumference, quadriceps, and hamstring peak torque was found in uninvolved extremities but not in operated extremities. The authors concluded that thigh circumference underestimates atrophy and is not correlated with cross-sectional thigh muscle area by MRI or strength in operated extremities. Persistent quadriceps weakness and decreased cross-sectional area at 49 months postsurgery and rehabilitation continue to challenge our efforts. The pathophysiology of the decrease in thigh muscle size and quadriceps femoris strength is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

The lateral transverse thigh free flap: an alternative for autogenous-tissue breast reconstruction.

The lateral transverse thigh free flap is a horizontal variant of the more commonly known vertical tensor fasciae latae myocutaneous free flap. Fresh cadaver injections of the lateral circumflex femoral artery indicated simultaneous perfusion of the upper lateral thigh tissues and the standard tensor fasciae latae territory extending down the lateral thigh. These experimental data strongly indicated that the clinical application would be successful. The flap is composed mostly of fat from the prominence of the upper lateral thigh ("saddlebags") based on a small plug of underlying tensor fasciae latae muscle. The amount of skin that can be included with this flap is limited in a vertical dimension to about 6 to 8 cm but is determined by the ability to close the defect. We have performed 17 flaps in 11 patients with up to 18 months of follow-up. Ten were delayed and 7 were immediate reconstructions. The chest and hip dissections are performed simultaneously by two microsurgeons. There has been one flap loss due to arterial disruption on day 3. An early problem was seroma formation in the donor site, which has been improved in the later patients by closing the dead space with sutures. The lateral transverse thigh free flap has the following advantages over other methods of autogenous-tissue breast reconstruction: (1) longer, more peripherally placed vessels, (2) easier flap dissection and no need to turn the patient during the procedure, (3) decreased postoperative morbidity and more rapid recovery, (4) reduction of an area of excess fat in those patients in whom the hips are more prominent than the abdomen, (5) greater intrinsic internal projection of the flap, and (6) excellent vascularity. The disadvantages of the flap are (1) microsurgery is required, (2) the amount of skin available is not as great as that with the gluteal or transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap, (3) the scar on the upper lateral thigh is probably more visible than on the buttock or the abdomen, and (4) a balancing procedure on the opposite hip is usually necessary in unilateral cases. Our current indications for the lateral transverse thigh free flap are (1) the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is unavailable, (2) for a particular breast size, the thigh fat proportions are greater than the abdominal proportions, or (3) the patient prefers this option to the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous or gluteus flap. Results and complications with the lateral transverse thigh free flap will be presented along with pertinent comparisons with the other choices for autogenous-tissue breast reconstruction.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Computerized tomographic determination of human thigh components. The effects of immobilization in plaster and subsequent physical training.

Thigh components were estimated by computerized tomography (CT) as well as by anthropometry in two healthy male soccer players (23--29 years), who for 5 weeks had one knee immobilized in a plaster of Paris. The investigations were performed on both thighs just after removal of the cast and after 5 weeks physical training of the inactivated quadriceps muscle. The different components were easily identified on a transverse scan through the middle of the thigh. The quadriceps muscle was 26% smaller after removal of the cast in the inactivated leg as compared with the contralateral leg; no differences were observed in the remaining thigh components. After rehabilitation a specific increase (22%) in the hypotrofic quadriceps muscle was observed, whereas no changes were disclosed in the remaining thigh components. The quadriceps muscle averaged 52% of the lean component in the uninjured thigh, and the subcutaneous part of the total cross-sectional area averaged 15%. The changes in the anthropometrically determined thigh components paralleled those observed by the CT scanning procedure. It is concluded that the loss in the lean thigh volume during immobilization in plaster cast is exclusively due to waste of the quadriceps muscle. CT scanning comprises a new valid tool to study changes in thigh components.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Three-dimensional ultrasound-assessed fetal thigh volumetry in predicting birth weight.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of three-dimensional ultrasound-assessed fetal thigh volumetry in predicting birth weight with that of other commonly used formulas composed of biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) by two-dimensional ultrasound. METHODS: We assessed the thigh volume of 100 fetuses using three-dimensional ultrasound. Meanwhile, their BPD, AC, and FL were measured by two-dimensional ultrasound. All infants were delivered within 48 hours after the ultrasound examinations. From polynomial regression analysis, we generated a best-fit formula for the thigh volume to predict birth weight. The accuracy of this thigh-volume formula was compared with those of three formulas commonly used in the United States. In addition, another group of 50 fetuses was measured for prospective validation. RESULTS: The high volume assessed by three-dimensional ultrasound was highly correlated with birth weight (r = 0.89, n = 100, P < .0001). The best-fit formula for thigh volume to predict birth weight was linear, and it was superior to the other commonly used two-dimensional formulas in predicting birth weight. The predicting error (0 g), percent error (0.7%), absolute error (176.1 g), and absolute percent error (5.8%) of the thigh-volume formula were all smaller than those of the other formulas (n = 100, all P < .05). In addition, the thigh-volume formula predicted birth weight more accurately than the other two-dimensional formulas in the prospective-validation group. The three-dimensional formula had smaller mean values of predicting error (38.6 g), percent error (1.5%), absolute error (160.0 g), and absolute percent error (5.1%) than the two-dimensional formulas (n = 50, all P < or = .001), as well as the smallest variances of the above errors (178.1 g, 5.6%, 84.3 g, and 2.9%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional ultrasound-assessed thigh volume has better accuracy in predicting birth weight than the commonly used formulas by two-dimensional ultrasound, and it may improve fetal weight prediction in clinical practice. However, a large-scale prospective validation study may be needed to confirm our conclusions.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

No effect of venoconstrictive thigh cuffs on orthostatic hypotension induced by head-down bed rest.

Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is the most serious symptom of cardiovascular deconditioning induced by head-down bed rest or weightlessness. Wearing venoconstrictive thigh cuffs is an empirical countermeasure used by Russian cosmonauts to limit the shift of fluid from the lower part of the body to the cardio-cephalic region. Our aim was to determine whether or not thigh cuffs help to prevent orthostatic hypotension induced by head-down bed rest. We studied the effect of thigh cuffs on eight healthy men. The cuffs were worn during the day for 7 days of head-down bed rest. We measured: orthostatic tolerance (stand tests and lower body negative pressure tests), plasma volume (Evans blue dilution), autonomic influences (plasma noradrenaline) and baroreflex sensitivity (spontaneous baroreflex slope). Thigh cuffs limited the loss of plasma volume (thigh cuffs: -201 +/- 37 mL vs. control: -345 +/- 42 mL, P < 0.05), the degree of tachycardia and reduction in the spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity induced by head-down bed rest. However, the impact of thigh cuffs was not sufficient to prevent OI (thigh cuffs: 7.0 min of standing time vs. control: 7.1 min). Decrease in absolute plasma volume and in baroreflex sensitivity are known to be important factors in the aetiology of OI induced by head-down bed rest. However, dealing with these factors, using thigh cuffs for example, is not sufficient to prevent OI. Other factors such as venous compliance, microcirculatory changes, peripheral arterial vasoconstriction and vestibular afferents must also be considered.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Can 3D volumetric analysis of the fetal upper arm and thigh improve conventional 2D weight estimates?].

AIM: To determine the usefulness of three-dimensional ultrasound volumetry of fetal thigh and upper arm in predicting weight at delivery. METHOD: Inclusion criteria to our prospective study were single-ton pregnancies with a planned or expected delivery within 96 hours of enrollment. In 74 patients (formula-finding group) standard fetal biometry, followed by measurement of thigh and upper arm volumes by three-dimensional ultrasound, was performed. Subsequently, our new 3D-formulas were tested in a prospective validation group of 52 patients. RESULTS: Both upper arm and thigh volumes correlated well with birth weight (r2 = 0.95, respectively, p < 0.0001). The best result, however, was achieved by a combination of standard 2D-measurements with the volumetric data of upper arm and thigh (r2 = 0.98, p < 0.0001). With use of polynomial regression analysis we obtained two best-fit formulas: BIRTH WEIGHT: -263.8 +13.7269 x Arm Volume +7.16575 x Thigh Volume +148.2 x ATD. Birth weight: -1288.7 +51.9502 x Arm Volume -0.252 x Arm Volume 2 -2.1766 x Thigh Volume +0.0321 x Thigh Volume 2 +36.2509 x GA -0.7526 x GA2 +654.3 x BIP -36.6136 x BIP2 -381.8 x ATD +24.0927 x ATD2. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional volumetry of the fetal thigh and upper arm may improve prediction of birth weight. Further larger studies are needed to validate our results.

Arm↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluating rehabilitation progress by measuring thigh circumference].

QUESTION: Thigh girth measurements have been widely used to quantify rehabilitation progress following knee surgery, but the correlation between thigh girth and other functional measures has not been investigated. This study intended to investigate whether such a correlation exists. METHODS: 15 women with bilateral osteoarthrosis of the knee participated in this study. Isokinetic knee extensor strength, thigh girth and body mass were measured immediately before, then at six weeks and six months following cementless total knee arthroplasty. RESULTS: The involved side showed clear pre-operative isokinetic knee extensor strength deficits, and slight reductions in thigh girth. Post-operatively, mean strength deficits were reduced, whereas differences in mean thigh girth became lager. Although thigh girth changes correlated well with body mass, they did not correlate with knee extensor strength. CONCLUSION: Changes in thigh girth are mainly due to changes in body mass. Thigh girth measurement is of no use for the quantification of the rehabilitation progress in total knee arthroplasty.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Thigh adipose tissue distribution is associated with insulin resistance in obesity and in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue (AT) content of the thigh is generally not considered to be associated with insulin resistance (IR), but it is unclear whether the distribution of AT in the thigh is a determinant of IR. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether subcompartments of AT within the thigh are determinants of IR. DESIGN: Midthigh AT, muscle composition, and insulin sensitivity were compared in 11 obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM); 40 obese, glucose-tolerant (GT) and 15 lean, GT volunteers; and 38 obese subjects who completed a weight-loss program. Midthigh AT area measured with computed tomography was partitioned into 3 components: subcutaneous AT (SCAT), AT beneath the fascia (SFAT), and AT infiltrating muscle groups (IMAT). Muscle attenuation characteristics were determined. RESULTS: Obese DM and obese GT subjects had lower insulin sensitivity than lean GT subjects. SCAT was greater in obesity, yet did not correlate with insulin sensitivity. SFAT was approximately 8% of total thigh AT and correlated with insulin sensitivity. IMAT was highest in obese DM, and although it accounted for only approximately 3% of thigh AT, it was a strong correlate of insulin sensitivity. Mean attenuation was highest in lean subjects and was associated with higher insulin sensitivity. Weight loss reduced the amount of thigh AT, the proportion of thigh IMAT, and the amount of low-density thigh muscle. CONCLUSIONS: SFAT and IMAT are markers of IR in obesity and DM although they are much smaller than SCAT, which does not predict IR. Muscle composition reflecting increased fat content is also associated with IR.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1995

The posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flap: vascular anatomy and clinical application.

Ten adult cadavers were used to accurately detail the vascular anatomy of posterior thigh skin. Fourteen posterior thigh specimens were dissected after blue latex injection of the internal and external iliac arteries. Six posterior thigh specimens underwent selective dye injection of individual profunda perforating arteries and the inferior gluteal artery. The findings reveal an extensive fascial plexus nourished primarily by fasciocutaneous branches of the first and second profunda perforating arteries and secondarily by a terminal fasciocutaneous branch of the inferior gluteal artery. From 1989 to 1992, 24 posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flaps were performed in 24 patients. There were 5 early postoperative complications (21 percent). All but one patient went on to satisfactory healing and stable wound coverage. Three posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flaps were used successfully despite ligation of their inferior gluteal artery blood supply in a previous surgical procedure. These anatomic and clinical findings confirm the reliability of a posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flap based primarily on the first and second profunda perforating arteries. The posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flap can survive in the absence of a patent inferior gluteal artery. Knowledge of the vascular anatomy extends the clinical applicability of the posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flap to patients who might otherwise be excluded because of prior injury or operative procedure.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Anatomic variations and technical problems of the anterolateral thigh flap: a report of 74 cases.

We have transferred 74 free or pedicled anterolateral thigh flaps, including those combined with other flaps, for reconstruction of various types of defects. We report several anatomic variations of the lateral circumflex arterial system and discuss some technical problems with this flap. Septocutaneous perforators were found in 28 of 74 cases (37.8 percent), and no perforators were found in 4 cases (5.4 percent). In the 70 cases with perforators, 171 tiny cutaneous perforators (an average of 2.31 per case) were found. Musculocutaneous perforators (81.9 percent) were much more common than septocutaneous perforators (18.1 percent). Perforators were concentrated near the midpoint of the lateral thigh, and the selection of perforators as nutrient vessels for the anterolateral thigh flap was related to the length of the pedicle and the thickness of the skin flap. Anatomic variations of the branching pattern of perforators were classified into eight types. Flaps with perforators that arise directly from the profunda femoris artery are difficult to combine with other free flaps. Because the perforators are extremely small and tend to thrombose soon after congestion develops, these flaps are difficult to salvage with recirculation surgery. Therefore, several perforators should be included with the flap, if possible. The descending artery of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was always accompanied by two veins with different back-flow strengths. Therefore, veins for microsurgical anastomosis must be chosen carefully. Because it is nourished by several perforators arising from the descending artery, the vastus lateralis muscle can be combined with the anterolateral thigh flap. However, splitting the muscle longitudinally without harvesting its blood supply is complicated because its fibers are oblique. The rectus femoris muscle can also be combined with the anterolateral thigh flap, but its pedicle is short and its origin is very near the site of anastomosis. When the anterolateral thigh flap is combined with the tensor fasciae latae musculocutaneous flap, the large skin area of the lateral part of thigh can be transferred to repair the massive defects. The anterolateral thigh flap has many advantages and can be used to reconstruct many types of defect. However, anatomic variations must be considered if the flap is to be used safely and reliably.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Have we found an ideal soft-tissue flap? An experience with 672 anterolateral thigh flaps.

The free anterolateral thigh flap is becoming one of the most preferred options for soft-tissue reconstruction. Between June of 1996 and August of 2000, 672 anterolateral thigh flaps were used in 660 patients at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Four hundred eighty-four anterolateral thigh flaps were used for head and neck region recontruction in 475 patients, 58 flaps were used for upper extremity reconstruction in 58 patients, 121 flaps were used for lower extremity reconstruction in 119 patients, and nine flaps were used for trunk reconstruction in nine patients. Of the 672 flaps used in total, a majority (439) were musculocutaneous perforator flaps. Sixty-five were septocutaneous vessel flaps. Of these 504 flaps, 350 were fasciocutaneous and 154 were cutaneous flaps. Of the remaining 168 flaps, 95 were musculocutaneous flaps, 63 were chimeric flaps, and the remaining ten were composite musculocutaneous perforator flaps with the tensor fasciae latae. Total flap failure occurred in 12 patients (1.79 percent of the flaps) and partial failure occurred in 17 patients (2.53 percent of the flaps). Of the 12 flaps that failed completely, five were reconstructed with second anterolateral thigh flaps, four with pedicled flaps, one with a free radial forearm flap, one with skin grafting, and one with primary closure. Of the 17 flaps that failed partially, three were reconstructed with anterolateral thigh flaps, one with a free radial forearm flap, five with pedicled flaps, and eight with primary suture, skin grafting, and conservative methods. In this large series, a consistent anatomy of the main pedicle of the anterolateral thigh flap was observed. In cutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps, the skin vessels (musculocutaneous perforators or septocutaneous vessels) were found and followed until they reached the main pedicle, regardless of the anatomic position. There were only six cases in this series in which no skin vessels were identified during the harvesting of cutaneous or fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flaps. In 87.1 percent of the cutaneous or fasciocutaneous flaps, the skin vessels were found to be musculocutaneous perforators; in 12.9 percent, they were found as septocutaneous vessels. The anterolateral thigh flap is a reliable flap that supplies a large area of skin. This flap can be harvested irrespective of whether the skin vessels are septocutaneous or musculocutaneous. It is a versatile soft-tissue flap in which thickness and volume can be adjusted for the extent of the defect, and it can replace most soft-tissue free flaps in most clinical situations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Comparison of the radial forearm flap and the thinned anterolateral thigh cutaneous flap for reconstruction of tongue defects: an evaluation of donor-site morbidity.

The radial forearm flap is commonly used for reconstruction of tongue defects following tumor extirpation. This flap is easy to harvest and offers thin tissue with large-caliber vessels. However, its use leaves behind a conspicuous aesthetic deformity in the forearm and requires the sacrifice of a major artery of that limb, the radial artery. The anterolateral thigh cutaneous flap has found clinical applications in the reconstruction of soft-tissue defects requiring thin tissue. More recently, in a thinned form, the anterolateral thigh flap has been used for reconstructing defects of the tongue with functional results equivalent to that of the radial forearm flap. For the reconstruction of tongue defects, these two flaps could provide similar soft-tissue coverage, but they seem to result in different donor-site appearances. The donor site is closed primarily, leaving only a linear scar that is inconspicuous with normal clothing, and no functional deficit is left behind in the thigh. Thus, for the supply of flaps for tongue defects, a comparison between the radial forearm flap and the anterolateral thigh flap donor sites is provided in this study. Between December of 2000 and August of 2002, 41 patients who underwent reconstruction of defects of the tongue using either a radial forearm flap or an anterolateral thigh flap were evaluated. The focus was on the evaluation of the functional and aesthetic outcome of the donor site after harvesting these flaps for the purpose of reconstructing either total or partial tongue defects. Finally, a comparison was performed between the donor sites of the two flaps. The disadvantages of the radial forearm flap include the conspicuous unattractive scar in the forearm region, pain, numbness, and the sacrifice of a major artery of the limb. In some patients, the donor-site scar of the forearm acted as a social stigma, preventing these patients from leading a normal life. In contrast, the anterolateral thigh cutaneous flap, after thinning, achieved the same results in reconstructing defects of the tongue without the associated donor-site morbidity. Most importantly, the donor site in the thigh could be closed primarily in almost all patients without any functional deficit. The thinned anterolateral thigh cutaneous flap is a viable substitute for the radial forearm flap when reconstructing defects of the tongue. The results achieved are similar to those of the radial forearm flap, and the donor-site morbidity is significantly decreased.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Decreased venous contamination on 3D gadolinium-enhanced bolus chase peripheral mr angiography using thigh compression.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the potential for improving bolus chase peripheral MR angiography in patients with fast arterial flow using thigh compression to prevent venous contamination. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We performed bolus chase peripheral MR angiography in 32 consecutive patients in whom the travel time for a contrast agent to reach the popliteal artery trifurcation was less than 25 sec. Thigh compression was applied by a tourniquet (n = 13) or blood pressure cuff inflated to 60 mm Hg (n = 19). We compared the results with those of 36 consecutive patients who underwent angiography without thigh compression. The effect of thigh compression on arterial flow and tissue enhancement was assessed in patients with symmetric travel time in both legs by applying compression to one leg during the time-resolved 2D-projection MR angiography with 6 mL of gadolinium. On 3D bolus chase MR angiography, thigh compression was applied bilaterally. Venous contamination on the 3D images of the calf was graded as 0, none; 1, trace; 2, mild; 3, moderate; and 4, severe. Signal-to-noise ratio was measured in the popliteal artery. RESULTS: Thigh compression slowed the arterial travel time by a mean +/- SD of 4.7 +/- 2 sec (p < 0.001) with a blood pressure cuff and 3.1 +/- 1 sec (p < 0.001) with a tourniquet. Blood pressure cuffs reduced the score of venous contamination on the calf station from 1.9 to 0.4 (p < 0.05) for intermediate flow (contrast travel time, 20-25 sec) and from 2.5 to 0.9 (p < 0.05) for fast flow (< 20 sec). Thigh compression increased the popliteal artery signal-to-noise ratio (81 vs 52, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Thigh compression with blood pressure cuffs inflated to 60 mm Hg slows down arterial flow, increases arterial signal-to-noise ratio, and reduces venous contamination on 3D gadolinium-enhanced bolus chase peripheral MR angiography.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

[Changes in blood volume in the muscles of the thigh and calf during exercise and recovery and their relationships to exercise tolerance in patients with cardiac disease].

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the blood-volume changes and recovery in the thigh and calf during leg exercise and evaluated the relationships to exercise tolerance. METHODS: The peak oxygen uptake and total hemoglobin level(blood-volume index), oxyhemoglobin level, and deoxyhemoglobin level in the thigh and calf were measured by near-infrared spectroscopy during leg ergometer exercise and recovery in 13 patients with cardiac disease(mean age: 66 +/- 6 years, left ventricular ejection fraction: 31-82%). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the increase in blood-volume index during exercise in the thigh and that in the calf. The increase in the blood-volume index during recovery in the calf was significantly greater than that in the thigh, mainly due to the difference in deoxyhemoglobin levels. There were no positive relationships between the peak oxygen uptake and increases in blood-volume index except for the increase in blood-volume index in the thigh during exercise(r = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between the increase in blood-volume index in the thigh and that in the calf during exercise, whereas the increase in blood-volume index during recovery in the calf was significantly greater than that in the thigh in patients with cardiac disease. Only the increase in the blood-volume index in the thigh during exercise is related to the leg-exercise tolerance in patients with cardiac disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Anthropometric estimation of thigh muscle cross-sectional area.

The purpose of this investigation was to derive and validate circumference and skinfold equations for estimating the anatomical cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and total thigh muscles. Forty-three adult male (mean age +/- SD = 25 +/- 5 yr) volunteers underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the CSA of the thigh muscles at the midfemur level as well as midthigh circumference and anterior thigh skinfold assessment. Multiple regression analyses were used to derive equations for predicting quadriceps, hamstrings, and total thigh muscle CSA of the dominant limb from the anthropometric dimensions on a random sample of 30 of the subjects. Cross-validation (CV) analyses were performed for each equation on: (a) the nondominant thigh of the derivation group (N = 30); (b) the dominant thigh of the CV group (N = 13); and (c) the nondominant thigh of the CV group (N = 13). The CV total error values for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and total thigh muscle CSA ranged from 5.4 to 14.4, 3.3 to 5.5, and 10.0 to 25.4 cm2, respectively. The anthropometric equations are recommended for one-time estimates of muscle CSA values in healthy, well-nourished young adult males when more sophisticated procedures are not available.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Saphenous vein forearm grafts and gortex thigh grafts as alternative forms of vascular access.

To compare the survival and complication rates of saphenous vein forearm grafts and gortex thigh grafts. Retrospective study over a twelve-year period with review of case-notes. Saphenous vein forearm grafts were constructed in 17 males and 12 females, mean age 61 years and gortex thigh grafts in 24 males and 22 females (49 grafts), mean age 49 years. Grafts were the primary form of access in 9 patients in each group. Follow-up was 45.6 and 135.2 patient years on dialysis for forearm grafts and thigh grafts respectively. One-year total survival was 89.4% (89.4% at 2 years and 71.5% at 3 years) and 84.9% (82.3% at 2 years and 70.4% at 3 years) for saphenous vein forearm grafts and gortex thigh grafts respectively. The overall complication rates were 0.22 and 0.61 per patient year on dialysis for saphenous vein forearm grafts and gortex thigh grafts respectively. Thrombosis occurred in 10% and 52%, infection in 0% and 35% and no complications in 62% and 24% of saphenous vein forearm grafts and gortex thigh grafts respectively. Both saphenous vein forearm grafts and gortex thigh grafts can provide satisfactory vascular access. The survival is similar at one year but gortex thigh grafts have a higher complication rate.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Activities of pongid thigh muscles during bipedal behavior.

Electromyographic recordings were taken from 12 thigh muscles (or major parts of them) in a gorilla, from 6 thigh muscles in a chimpanzee, and from 2 thigh muscles in an orangutan as they engaged in bipedal positional behavior, including stance, reaching overhead, lunging, leaping and walking. In the African apes, symmetric bipedal stances with hindlimb flexure were accompanied by notable EMG potentials generally increased to or remained at moderate and high levels. Our studies on the gluteal (Tuttle et al., '78) and thigh muscles of African apes partly confirm Kummer's ('75) prediction that considerable gluteal and hamstring activity would be required in order for them to stand bipedally with flexed hip and knee joints. The gorilla's thigh muscles exhibited considerable EMG activity during the stance phase and remarkably little activity during the swing phase of bipedal steps. The activity patterns of most thigh and gluteal muscles (Tuttle et al., '78) in the African apes are much more similar to those of bipedal gibbons than to their counterparts in man. The bipedal locomotor cycles of human subjects are accompanied by many more biphasic and triphasic EMG patterns in the thigh muscles than the locomotor cycles of other anthropoid primates are. The evolutionary anthropological significance of these findings should become clearer when they are complemented by EMG studies on human running, arboreal bipedalism and vertical climbing in apes, and central pattern generation in man and apes.

Animals↗