THE IMPORTANCE OF FUNCTIONAL EXAMINATION OF PATIENTS AND ASSESSMENT OF PERIPHERAL HEMODYNAMICS IN THE REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH OBLITERATING ATHEROSCLEROSIS OF THE VESSELS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and clarify the medical and social criteria for the rehabilitation of patients with obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive clinical and instrumental examination of 54 patients who underwent various types of operations for obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities 3 years ago and 11 non-operated patients who made up the control group was conducted.All examined (men) aged from 45 to 60 years. The average duration of the disease was about 7 years. Operations were performed mainly in the II and III stages of the disease. Results: A complex clinical and functional examination of the patients revealed: in most of them, after the operation, the general condition improved or the process stabilized, periodic lameness decreased, and the intensity of pain decreased. However, intermittent lameness still persisted in 93% of them, and pain in the lower limbs at rest occurred in 41%. Calf muscle spasms were noted in 70% of patients, frostbite of the feet persisted in 51%. The pulse on the peripheral arteries was determined in 36% of the examined. Conclusions: The main criterion for the rehabilitation of obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities patients is the degree of blood circulation compensation achieved as a result of the operation. The obtained data open wide opportunities for social and labor rehabilitation of patients with obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, which allows 53% of them to return to working capacity.