The effect of partial and full weight-bearing on venous return in the lower limb.
We studied the effect of full and partial weight-bearing on venous peak velocity in the legs of 73 subjects. We used colourflow Duplex ultrasound to determine the minimal amount of weight-bearing required to produce the same venous peak velocity as full weight-bearing. We found that the venous peak velocity remains the same in the femoral vein during partial weight-bearing (196 N and above). This is important for postoperative physiotherapy and thromboprophylaxis. The median peak velocity was 30 cm/s. This corresponds to an amplification factor of four in relation to the individual resting level (peak velocity). In addition, we found that partial weight-bearing at 196 N can reliably be reproduced. The median value of partial weight-bearing after a three-day training programme was 206 N.
Eisele
R
R
Department of Traumatology, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Ulm, Germany.
Weickert
E
E
Eren
A
A
Kinzl
L
L
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D005260:Female; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*