OBJECTIVES: To analyze the disease burden and inequalities of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (LEPAD) among people aged 40 and above in the Belt and Road partner countries from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database. The age-standardized prevalence rates, mortality rates, and the annual rate of years lived with disability (YLDs) of LEPAD were analyzed. Trends were measured using the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and the slope index of inequality (SII) and concentration index were used to quantify the absolute and relative inequalities. RESULTS: In 2021, the age-standardized prevalence and mortality rates of LEPAD were 3168.26/10⁵ and 3.09/10⁵, increasing by 4.30% and 19.31% compared to 1990, while YLDs rates decreased by 4.00%. Females had higher age-standardized prevalence and YLDs rates, while males had higher mortality rates. The EAPC for prevalence rates was slightly higher in males (0.22%) than in females (0.17%); while the EAPC of age-standardized mortality rate was 2.02% for females, compared to 1.45% for males. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized YLDs rates decreased from 16.23/10⁵ to 15.58/10⁵, with a faster decline in females (－0.12%) than in males (－0.06%). LEPAD prevalence varied across countries, with higher burden in Europe and faster growth in Gulf states. Higher socio-demographic index countries had higher prevalence. Inequity improved, with the SII at 52.90/10⁵ and concentration index at 0.038 in 2021. Gender disparities persisted, with concentration index increased to 0.058 in females and reduced to －0.026 in males. CONCLUSIONS LEPAD prevalence and mortality among people aged 40 and above in the Belt and Road partner countries increased, while YLDs rates decreased from 1990 to 2021. Significant differences among people exist depending on gender and country, highlighting the need for enhanced screening, health education, and shared public health strategies across the Belt and Road partner countries.
Humans ; Peripheral Arterial Disease/mortality* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Prevalence ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Global Burden of Disease ; Cost of Illness

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of minimally invasive osteotomy with preservation of blood supply to the transversely transported bone segment in the treatment of chronic ischemic lower limb diseases using tibial transverse bone transport. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 12 patients with chronic ischemic lower limb diseases who met the selection criteria and were treated between June 2016 and December 2023. The cohort included 7 males and 5 females, aged 26-87 years (mean, 61.2 years). Among them, 7 patients had diabetic foot (DF), including 2 cases complicated by arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO), with a DF duration ranging from 1.7 to 23.0 months (mean, 9.6 months) and ulcer sizes ranging from 3.2 cm×2.4 cm to 10.0 cm×6.6 cm. Three patients had ASO with a disease duration of 1.7-23.0 months (mean, 10.4 months) and ulcer or post-amputation wound sizes ranging from 2.2 cm×2.1 cm to 12.0 cm×7.7 cm. Additionally, 2 patients with thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) had a disease duration of 7 and 12 months, respectively. Preoperatively, the mean foot skin temperature was (27.63±0.34)℃, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 8.5±0.7. All patients underwent tibial transverse bone transport using minimally invasive osteotomy while preserving the blood supply to the transported bone segment. Postoperative complications and foot ulcer healing were observed. The effectiveness of tibial transverse bone transport was evaluated by comparing preoperative and postoperative foot skin temperature, VAS scores, as well as through CT angiography (CTA). RESULTS: One DF patient with ASO was lost to follow-up, while the remaining 11 patients were followed up 10-29 months (mean, 20.5 months). One DF patient had a displaced fracture at the site of tibial transport due to trauma, which healed after plaster immobilization; 1 DF patient had a small amount of pigmentation in the skin of the donor site, but the blood circulation was good; no complication such as pin tract infection, skin necrosis, or osteomyelitis occurred in the donor site of all patients. At 2-3 weeks postoperatively, the foot skin temperature was (34.21±0.65)℃, and the VAS score was 0.3±0.1, both significantly improved compared to preoperative ones ( t=-31.578, P<0.001; t=49.000, P<0.001). Two TAO patients experienced recurrent, persistent, intolerable pain at 7-10 days postoperatively, with no reduction in ulcer size or necrotic areas; 1 underwent toe amputation, and the other required a mid-leg amputation. The remaining patients achieved complete ulcer healing, with healing time ranging from 5.1 to 9.2 weeks (mean, 6.8 weeks). CTA showed no new vascular occlusions or embolisms. X-ray films at 4 months postoperatively demonstrated proper repositioning and good healing of the transported tibial bone segment. CONCLUSION The application of minimally invasive osteotomy with preserved blood supply to the transversely transported bone segment in tibial transverse bone transport for the treatment of chronic ischemic lower limb diseases effectively minimizes extensive soft tissue dissection, reduces surgical soft tissue damage, and better maintains local blood supply. This approach lowers the risk of postoperative infection and skin necrosis while accelerating postoperative recovery.
Humans ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Tibia/surgery* ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Bone Transplantation/methods* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Diabetic Foot/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Arteriosclerosis Obliterans/surgery* ; Ischemia/surgery* ; Lower Extremity/blood supply*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of combined anterolateral thigh-ilioinguinal Flow-through flaps for repairing complex lower limb defects. METHODS: A clinical data of 20 patients with complex lower limb injuries admitted between January 2018 and January 2024 was retrospectively analyzed. The cohort included 14 males and 6 females with an average age of 47.3 years (range, 29-65 years). Injury mechanisms comprised heavy-object trauma (n=7), traffic accidents (n=5), machinery crush injuries (n=5), and osteomyelitis (n=3). Defects involved the left (n=7) and right (n=13) limbs, with anatomical distributions including tibiofibular injuries (n=6), isolated tibial injuries (n=6), foot and ankle injuries (n=5), and femoral-tibial injuries (n=3). The size of soft tissue defects ranged from 23 cm×8 cm to 44 cm×12 cm. Reconstruction employed combined anterolateral thigh-ilioinguinal Flow-through flaps in the size of 24 cm×10 cm to 48 cm×14 cm. The recipient sites were sutured in primary closure in 12 cases, and 8 cases had no available vascular anastomosis sites in the recipient sites, and a cross-leg flap form was used to establish a temporary blood supply, and the flaps were cut off after 3-4 weeks. The donor sites in the thigh were directly sutured. During follow-up, the survival of the flaps, appearance, texture, and related complications were observed; the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) score was used to evaluate the scar condition of the flaps, the lower extremity function scale (LEFS) score was used to evaluate the function of the affected lower limb, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the pain condition of the affected side. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the flap complete necrosis occurred in 1 case, marginal necrosis in 1 case, superficial infections in 2 cases, and venous thrombosis in 1 case. The remaining flaps survived completely with primary wound healing at both recipient and donor sites. Limb salvage was achieved in all patients. All patients were followed up with 12-24 months (mean, 18.4 months). All flaps had satisfactory color, texture, and contour. Fractures reached clinical union in all cases. Donor site morbidity included mild contralateral hip flexion/knee extension limitation (n=1), persistent hypoesthesia (n=3), and chronic pain (n=1) at 6 months. At 12 months after operation, the LEFS, VSS, and VAS scores on the affected side were 62.7±4.6, 3.5±1.1, and 1.2±0.6, respectively, which were superior to those at 1 month after operation (38.6±2.8, 8.5±1.4, 4.7±1.1), and the differences were significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The anterolateral thigh-ilioinguinal Flow-through flaps for repairing complex lower limb injuries is a good method. The distal blood supply of the affected side recover well, the survival rate of the flap is high, and the function recovery of the affected limb is good.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Adult ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Surgical Flaps/blood supply* ; Lower Extremity/surgery* ; Thigh/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Leg Injuries/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical efficacy of bone cement filling combined with lower extremity arterial balloon dilation in treating Wagner grade Ⅳ diabetic foot (DF). METHODS: From January to October 2024, 9 Wagner grade Ⅳ DF patients with lower extremity vascular occlusion were admitted, including 7 males and 2 females, aged from 51 to 87 years old;5 patients on the left side and 4 patients on the right side. All patients were underwent stageⅠdebridement of the affected foot and bone cement filling, and treated with lower extremity arterial balloon dilation after operation, they were. After the formation of the induced membrane, stageⅡwound repair was performed. The wound healing time and condition were observed. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was used to evaluate the lower extremity vascular perfusion before operation and 3 months after operation, respectively. RESULTS: The wounds of all 9 patients healed completely, and the healing time ranged from 45 to 65 days. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months without recurrence. The skin of the affected foot wound healed with keratinization, and there was mild scar hyperplasia locally (1 patient had necrosis of the adjacent toe after stageⅠsurgery and was debridement and toe amputation again). The narrowed or occluded blood vessels of the lower extremities were all recanalized. ABI recovered from 0.3 to 0.5 before operation to 1.0 to 1.1 at 3 months after operation. CONCLUSION Bone cement filling combined with lower extremity arterial balloon dilation for the treatment of grade Wagner Ⅳ DF is conducive to promoting healing of the affected foot, effectively preventing secondary ulceration of the affected foot, and clinical therapeutic effect is satisfactory.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Diabetic Foot/surgery* ; Aged ; Bone Cements/therapeutic use* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Lower Extremity/blood supply*

PURPOSE: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left and right lower extremities was treated in the same way, but the left and right extremities received different levels of attention. This study aimed to investigate the differences between the right and left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT). METHODS: Clinical characteristics of LEDVT patients from July 2020 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed to compare the incidence of LEDVT on different limbs, demographics, predisposing factors, and anatomical characteristics. The exclusion criteria were bilateral LEDVT and recurrent thrombosis. Measured data was analyzed using independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney test. Count data were analyzed by Chi-square test. A p < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. RESULTS: There were 478 patients included in this study and the ratio of left to right LEDVT on the left and right limbs was 3.16:1 (363:115). Left LEDVT predominantly affected female, with the major aged > 50 years (50 - 60 years: 16.80%; > 60 years: 57.30%). The primary predisposing factor was iliac vein compression syndrome, with iliofemoral thrombosis being the main type. Male patients with LEDVT on the right limb were predominant and the age of onset was usually ≤ 60 years (52.17%). The main predisposing factor was recent surgery or trauma (< 30 days) and femoropopliteal thrombosis was the main type. In more detail, the left iliac vein was compressed mainly in the proximal segment, and the right iliac vein was compressed mainly in the intermediate and distal segments. Recent surgery or trauma to the locomotor system and genitourinary system often induced LEDVT. CONCLUSION The incidence of LEDVT on the left is significantly higher than that on the right. LEDVT on different sides has different characteristics, which is crucial for prevention and diagnosis in the relevant population so there are also differences in treatment of the affected limbs.
Humans ; Venous Thrombosis/etiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Aged ; Age Factors ; Sex Factors ; Risk Factors ; Acute Disease ; Incidence ; Aged, 80 and over ; Young Adult ; Adolescent

Fractional flow reserve (FFR), an established modality for functionally assessing coronary artery disease, is increasingly applied to diagnose and manage lower extremity arterial disease. By incorporating functional parameters, FFR enhances revascularization precision by quantifying the hemodynamic impact of stenotic lesions, thereby overcoming limitations of conventional imaging. Key clinical applications in lower extremity disease include functional assessment in moderate intermittent claudication, post-vascular preparation strategy optimization, and predicting revascularization outcomes and complications. Advances in pressure wire and microcatheter systems, alongside non-invasive imaging-derived FFR techniques, are improving its feasibility and applicability. However, widespread adoption is challenged by the complex anatomy of the lower extremity arterial system, frequent severe calcification and diffuse disease, and a current lack of standardized FFR cutoff values. Promoting the standardized use of FFR is crucial for shifting the clinical management paradigm from anatomy-based repair toward functional reconstruction.
Humans ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Peripheral Arterial Disease/diagnosis* ; Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial ; Endovascular Procedures/methods* ; Intermittent Claudication/physiopathology*

OBJECTIVES: Venous thromboembolism is a highly prevalent condition after polytrauma, and recognized as an important factor contributing to poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) in a severely traumatized population and to evaluate their predictive value for LEDVT. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center observational study. All subjects were severely traumatized patients who were admitted to the Traumatic Intensive Care Unit from January 2021 to May 2024. Based on Doppler ultrasound findings of both lower extremities from the time of injury to 30 days post-injury, patients who developed LEDVT were enrolled in the LEDVT group, and those who did not develop LEDVT were enrolled in the NLEDVT group. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected upon admission. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for LEDVT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the overall fit of the final model. RESULTS: There were 56 patients enrolled in the LEDVT group and 81 patients in the NLEDVT group.Age, Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), ICU length of stay, and albumin were identified as independent risk factors for LEDVT (all P < 0.05). The area under their ROC curves were 0.604, 0.657, 0.694, 0.668, and 0.405, respectively. Combined model for early clinical prediction of LEDVT in severely traumatized patients by age, SIRI, AISI, and albumin resulted in an area under the ROC curve of 0.805 (95%CI: 0.73-0.88, SE = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS The combination of age, SIRI, AISI, and albumin has a predictive value for LEDVT in severely traumatized patients.
Humans ; Venous Thrombosis/blood* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Middle Aged ; Inflammation ; Wounds and Injuries/blood* ; Risk Factors ; Predictive Value of Tests ; ROC Curve

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of perioperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower extremities and its risk factors in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. METHODS: The clinical data of 4 109 elderly patients with femoral neck fracture admitted between August 2012 and November 2020 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 1 137 males and 2 972 females; their ages ranged from 65 to 101 years, with an average of 77.0 years. The time from fracture to admission ranged from 1 to 360 hours, with an average of 35.2 hours. There were 1 858 cases of hemiarthroplasty, 1 617 cases of total hip arthroplasty, and 634 cases of internal fixation surgery. The preoperative age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (aCCI) was 4 (3, 5). Perioperative DVT occurred in 857 cases (20.9%). Univariate analysis was performed on age, gender, body mass index, fracture side, time from fracture to admission, operation type, anesthesia type, blood transfusion, blood pressure after admission, and preoperative aCCI in patients with and without perioperative DVT, and logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors of perioperative DVT in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in age, gender, time from fracture to admission, operation type, and preoperative aCCI between the two groups ( P<0.05). Further logistic regression analysis showed that age>75 years, female patients, time from fracture to admission>24 hours, and preoperative aCCI>5 were risk factors for perioperative DVT ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION Elderly patients with femoral neck fracture have a higher incidence of perioperative DVT. The advanced aged and female patients, patients with longer fracture time and more comorbidities need to pay special attention to the prevention of perioperative DVT to minimize the occurrence of DVT during femoral neck fractures.
Humans ; Femoral Neck Fractures/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Aged ; Venous Thrombosis/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Aged, 80 and over ; Retrospective Studies ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/adverse effects* ; Incidence ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Postoperative Complications/etiology* ; Perioperative Period ; Logistic Models ; Hemiarthroplasty/adverse effects*

Objective To compare the clinical effects of three treatment methods including systemic thrombolysis(ST),catheter-directed thrombolysis(CDT),and AngioJet percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy(PMT)in acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis(LEDVT). Methods The data of 82 patients diagnosed with LEDVT in the Department of Vascular and Gland Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from January 2017 to December 2020 were collected.The patients were assigned into a ST group(n=50),a CDT group(n=16),and a PMT group(n=16)according to different treatment methods.The efficacy and safety were compared among the three groups. Results Compared with that before treatment,the circumferential diameter difference of both lower limbs on days 1,2,and 3 of treatment in the ST,CDT,and PMT groups reduced(all P<0.001).The PMT group showed smaller circumferential diameter difference of lower limbs on days 1,2,and 3 of treatment than the ST group(all P<0.001)and smaller circumferential diameter difference of the lower patellar margin on day 1 of treatment than the CDT group(P<0.001).The PMT group showed higher diminution rate for swelling of the affected limb at the upper and lower edges of the patella than the ST group(P<0.001)and higher diminution rate for swelling at the upper edge of the patella than the CDT group(P=0.026).The incidence of complications after treatment showed no significant differences among the three groups(all P>0.05).The median of hospital stay in the PMT group was shorter than that in the ST and CDT groups(P=0.002,P=0.001).The PMT group had higher thrombus clearance rate than the ST group(P=0.002)and no significant difference in the thrombus clearance rate from the CDT group(P=0.361).The vascular recanalization rates in the PMT(all P<0.001)and CDT(P<0.001,P=0.002,P=0.009)groups 3,6,and 12 months after treatment were higher than those in ST group,and there were no significant differences between PMT and CDT groups(P=0.341,P=0.210,P=0.341). Conclusions ST,CDT,and PMT demonstrated significant efficacy in the treatment of LEDVT,and PMT was superior to ST and CDT in terms of circumferential diameter difference of the lower limbs,diminution rate for swelling of the affected limb,thrombus clearance rate,length of hospital stay,and long-term vascular recanalization.There was no obvious difference in safety among the three therapies.
Humans ; Thrombolytic Therapy/methods* ; Fibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome ; Thrombectomy/methods* ; Venous Thrombosis/drug therapy* ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Catheters ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To conduct anatomical study on the iliac crest chimeric tissue flap and summarize its effectiveness of clinical application in repairing limb wounds. METHODS: Latex perfusion and anatomical study were performed on 6 fresh adult cadaver specimens with 12 sides, to observe the initial location, distribution, quantity, and direction of the common circumflexa iliac artery, the deep circumflexa iliac artery, and the superficial circumflexa iliac artery, and to measure their initial external diameter. Between December 2020 and September 2022, the iliac crest chimeric tissue flap repair was performed on 5 patients with soft tissue of limbs and bone defects. There were 3 males and 2 females, with an average age of 46 years (range, 23-60 years). Among them, there were 3 cases of radii and skin soft tissue defects and 2 cases of tibia and skin soft tissue defects. The length of bone defects was 4-8 cm and the area of skin soft tissue defects ranged from 9 cm×5 cm to 15 cm×6 cm. The length of the iliac flap was 4-8 cm and the area of skin flap ranged from 12.0 cm×5.5 cm to 16.0 cm×8.0 cm. The donor sites were directly sutured. RESULTS: Anatomical studies showed that there were 10 common circumflex iliac arteries in 5 specimens, which originated from the lateral or posterolateral side of the transition between the external iliac artery and the femoral artery, with a length of 1.2-1.6 cm and an initial external diameter of 0.8-1.4 mm. In 1 specimen without common circumflexa iliac artery, the superficial and deep circumflex iliac arteries originated from the external iliac artery and the femoral artery, respectively, while the rest originated from the common circumflex iliac artery. The length of superficial circumflex iliac artery was 4.6-6.7 cm, and the initial external diameter was 0.4-0.8 mm. There were 3-6 perforator vessels along the way. The length of deep circumflex iliac artery was 7.8-9.2 cm, and the initial external diameter was 0.5-0.7 mm. There were 3-5 muscular branches, 4-6 periosteal branches, and 2-3 musculocutaneous branches along the way. Based on the anatomical observation results, all iliac crest chimeric tissue flaps were successfully resected and survived after operation. The wounds at recipient and donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 8-24 months, with an average of 12 months. The tissue flap has good appearance and soft texture. X-ray film reexamination showed that all the osteotomy healed, and no obvious bone resorption was observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION The common circumflex iliac artery, deep circumflex iliac artery, and superficial circumflex iliac artery were anatomically constant, and it was safe and reliable to use iliac crest chimeric tissue flap in repairing the soft tissue and bone defects of limbs.
Adult ; Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Ilium/surgery* ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Skin Transplantation/methods* ; Lower Extremity/surgery* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome