Search results for "calf muscle pump"

Calf muscle pump impairment and delayed healing of venous leg ulcers: Air plethysmographic findings

2007

There is a need for a diagnostic tool to predict clinical outcome of venous leg ulcer patients, as the prognosis of healing based on clinical data alone has not appeared to be satisfactory. Air plethysmographic assessment of calf muscle pump was performed in the supine and upright position in 129 patients with active ulcers on their legs. All patients were managed in a specialized leg ulcer clinic. Results of air plethysmography were compared to clinical data and time of healing of ulcers. Muscle pump failure was found in 42.6% of extremities (supine position, 33.3%; upright, 22.5%; both, 12.4%). Patients with insufficient pump were older, and their ulcers were larger. Failure of pump was f…