The Effects of Postoperative Activity on Subcuranious Tissue Oxygen Tension and Blood Flow in Orthopedic Surgical Patients
Abstract
Wounds are particularly vulnerable to perfusion and oxygenation deficits. Subcutaneous tissue oxygen tension (PSCO2) and subcutaneous blood flow (BFSC) reflect the balance between oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption in the periphery and are influenced by a variety of factors. Exercise has been associated with an increased rate of wound healing and in normal subjects, increased blood flow to peripheral tissues. The effect of activity on peripheral oxygen and blood flow in injured individuals is not well documented. This study compared the early postoperative effects of an enhanced postoperative activity plan with conventional postoperative activity on PSCO2 and BFSC in orthopedic surgical patients. Using a randomized two group experimental design, ten orthopedic surgical patients scheduled for total hip replacement were assigned to conventional postoperative activity or enhanced activity. PSCO2 was measured (using a silastic tonometer, fiberoptic/fluorescent oxygen sensor placed next to the surgical wound) on postoperative days 0, 1, and 2 while patients breathed room air and 50% 02. Baseline (on room air) PSCO2 was significantly different (F=21.94; p=0.0016) between activity protocol groups; measurements ranged from 40+/-15 to 50+/-7 mmHg (mean +/- SD) in the experimental group and 58+/-7 to 72+/-14 (mean +/- SD) in the control group. The study hypothesis that enhanced activity increases PSCO2 was not supported. BFSC or perfusion was calculated using the Fick principle. Patients were classified according to their PSCO2 response to breathing 50% oxygen. No group differences were identified (Mann Whitney U test).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA267951
Entities
People
- John A. Kenney
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology