Clinical Research Directory

Bupivacaine-Lidocaine vs Bupivacaine for Ultrasound-Guided Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block

This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy of two local anesthetic regimens for ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block in adult patients undergoing elective distal lower extremity surgery. Eligible participants (ages 18-65, ASA physical status I-III, BMI 18-35 kg/m²) will be randomized into two equal groups of 30. Patients in Group BL will receive a combination of 10 mL 2% lidocaine and 10 mL 0.5% bupivacaine, while patients in Group B will receive 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine alone, administered via ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block prior to surgery. The primary outcome is the onset time of sensory and motor blockade. Secondary outcomes include block success rate, duration of sensory and motor block, postoperative opioid consumption, pain scores assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively, Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score, and incidence of rebound pain. The study is conducted at Ataturk University Research Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Erzurum, Turkey.

Evaluating Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin Plasma for Chronic Lower Extremity Ulcers

To prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of an Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin Plasma system when applied in conjunction with Standard of Care for management of chronic lower extremity wounds.

Comparative Effectiveness of Nursing Interventions: Using Buerger-Allen Exercises Versus Mechanical Compression Therapy on Lower Limb Perfusion and Peripheral Neuropathy Among Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and impaired lower-limb circulation are common adverse effects that can compromise patients' mobility, comfort, balance, functional independence, and quality of life and may increase the risk of falls. Although Buerger-Allen exercises and mechanical compression therapy are non-pharmacological approaches that may improve peripheral circulation and alleviate neuropathic symptoms, evidence directly comparing these interventions among patients receiving chemotherapy remains limited, particularly in Egypt. This study will address this gap and may inform feasible, nurse-led strategies for supportive oncology care. Aim of the study: This study will aim to compare the effects of Buerger-Allen exercises and mechanical compression therapy on lower-limb perfusion and peripheral neuropathy among patients undergoing chemotherapy. Randomized control trail research design will be used. Setting The study will be conducted in the inpatient chemotherapy department at Ayady Almostakbal Cancer Treatment Hospital, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. The hospital is a specialized, non-governmental, charitable medical center that provides cancer treatment services to residents of Alexandria Governorate and surrounding areas. Subjects: A purposive sample of 100 eligible patients will be recruited and allocated equally to two intervention groups: the Buerger-Allen exercise group (n = 50) and the mechanical compression therapy group (n = 50). Inclusion criteria: • Adult male and female patients aged 20-60 years who have been receiving chemotherapy for at least six months and who are willing to participate will be eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria: * Patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or other medical conditions that may affect lower-limb perfusion or peripheral nerve function will be excluded. * Patients with burns or extensive wounds of the lower limbs will be excluded. * Patients with a lower-limb amputation will be excluded. * Patients receiving another physical, pharmacological, or mechanical treatment regimen directed at the lower limbs will be excluded. Tools for data collection: Two principal assessment tools will be used for data collection. Tool 1: Lower-Limb Perfusion Assessment. This tool will be developed by the researchers following a comprehensive review of the relevant literature and will consist of three parts: * Part I: Patient Demographic Profile. This part will be used to collect data on age, gender, educational level, marital status, and occupation. * Part II: Clinical Data. This part will be used to assess the patient's past and current health history. * Part III: Lower-Limb Perfusion Assessment. This part will be adapted from Abouelala et al. (2022) Tool 2: Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment. This tool will be adapted from Abouelala et al. (2022) Proposed Study Procedures * The tools will be evaluated for content validity and relevance by a panel of five experts in medical-surgical nursing and oncology. Their recommendations will be considered when preparing the final versions. * A pilot study will be conducted with 10% of the calculated sample to assess the clarity, feasibility, and applicability of the study tools and procedures. Necessary modifications will be made accordingly. Participants included in the pilot study will be excluded from the main study sample and analyses. * Patients who meet the eligibility criteria will be allocated equally to the Buerger-Allen exercise group (n = 50) and the mechanical compression therapy group (n = 50). * Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant after the study purpose, intervention procedures, potential risks, and expected

Matrion Decellularized Placental Membrane Versus Conventional Wound Management in Subjects With Diabetic Foot Ulcers

This study will evaluate Matrion™ (LifeNet Health, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA), a placental membrane product, as a treatment for diabetic foot ulcers compared to conventional wound care. Matrion is derived from donated human birth tissue and includes both the amniotic and chorionic layers, along with the trophoblast layer. It is minimally processed using a proprietary decellularization method and terminally sterilized to ensure the membrane is acellular and sterile, making it suitable for surgical applications.

Lower Extremity Graft Study (LEGS): A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Versus Conventional Dressings for Split-thickness Skin Grafts After Lower Leg Skin Tumour Excision

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effect of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) versus traditional dressings on the incidence of transplant infection in adult patients undergoing split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) to the lower leg following excision of a skin tumour. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does NPWT reduce the incidence of graft infection within 2 weeks after STSG? Does NPWT improve secondary outcomes such as graft take, reduce reoperations, complications, and resource use? Researchers will compare patients treated with NPWT to patients treated with traditional dressings to see if NPWT results in lower infection rates and better clinical outcomes. Participants will: Undergo excision of a skin tumour on the lower leg followed by STSG. Be randomized to receive either NPWT or traditional dressings applied over the graft. Follow a structured postoperative care and mobilisation schedule. Attend follow-up visits at day 5 and day 14 postoperatively and be monitored through medical record review up to three months after surgery.

Photoacoustic Tomography in Assessment of Lower Extremity Artery Disease

Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) is characterized by low awareness rate and high missed diagnosis rate, leading to low treatment rate and high disabling mortality rate. However, none of the current examination methods can comprehensively and thoroughly evaluate the vascular structure and blood oxygen status of the lower extremity at the same time. Photoacoustic imaging can display millimeter-scale microvessels without the need for contrast agents. The investigators developed photoacoustic tomography (PACT) technology, which wass able to provide three-dimensional and high-resolution photoacoustic images of the target area.The investigators plan to recruit LEAD patients in different disease conditions and healthy volunteers to receive the PACT examination on the feet using this imaging system, and to evaluate the potential clinical role of the imaging system in LEAD, and its added value to current imaging methods.

Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine-Fentanyl Combination Versus Fentanyl Alone as Adjuvant to Bupivacaine in Spinal Anesthesia for Above Knee Amputation in Sarcomas of Lower Extremity

The current work evaluated whether the combination of intrathecal dexmedetomidine and fentanyl provides superior postoperative analgesia to fentanyl alone when administered with hyperbaric bupivacaine.

Evaluation of Lower Extremity Interventions in Individuals With Chronic Stroke

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises and kinesio taping on knee joint proprioception, balance, functional performance, and quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke. Stroke often results in proprioceptive deficits and postural control impairments, which negatively impact rehabilitation outcomes. While CKC exercises are believed to enhance proprioceptive input through joint compression and sensory feedback, kinesio taping is used as a complementary intervention to support motor control and stability. The study will compare the effects of these two interventions to determine their potential roles in improving sensorimotor function and promoting functional independence in stroke rehabilitation. A total of 30 participants were enrolled in this study. Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who had a stroke more than 6 months ago, * Having a stable medical condition, * Ability to understand simple instructions, * Individuals with spasticity between grades 0-2 according to the Modified Ashworth Scale, * Individuals who can walk independently or with assistive devices, * Those who agree to participate and comply with the study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment (MMSE score \< 24), * Orthopedic conditions that may cause knee pain during exercise, * Other neurological conditions that may affect proprioception, * Severe joint contracture, * Refusal or unwillingness to participate in the study.

C-Brace Prospective Registry

To gather prospective safety and effectiveness data for the C-Brace System following the standard of care.

Foot Biomechanics and Lower Extremity Muscle Mechanics

This study is designed to investigate the relationship between foot biomechanics, balance, lower extremity muscle mechanical properties, and vertical jump in young adults. The aim is to highlight the correlations between foot biomechanics and the other parameters, as well as potential outcomes (if any).