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Laceration — Vascular Function of Lower Extremity — Clinical Pathway: Emergency

Laceration Clinical Pathway — Emergency Department

Vascular Function of Lower Extremity

Pulse
  • Posterior tibial, dorsalis pedis (present, weak, absent)
  • Compare to opposite extremity
Perfusion
  • Capillary refill
  • Color
  • Temperature
If concern for vascular compromise, nerve injury or large muscle involvement, contact Vascular Surgery/Trauma

Motor and Sensory Exam for Lower Extremity

Nerve Motor
Peroneal
  • Ankle dorsiflexion
  • Great toe extension (extensor hallucis longus)
Tibial
  • Ankle plantarflexion
  • Toe flexion (flexor digitorum longus)
  • Great toe flexion (flexor hallucis longus)
Sensory
Deep Peroneal Dorsal web space 1st and 2nd toes
Superficial Peroneal Remainder of the dorsum of the foot (near DP pulse)
Sural Lateral foot/ankle
Saphenous Medial ankle

Additional Tests LE Motor and Sensory Exam

Peroneal Nerve

Sensation Intact
Dorsal web space between 1st and 2nd toes
(quickest test of deep peroneal nerve)
Motor Intact
Toe/ankle dorsiflexion
Toe/ Ankle dorsiflexion Dorsal web space between 1st and 2nd toes

Tibial Nerve

Nerve Intact
Test with plantar flexion foot/toes
Test with plantar flexion foot/toes 1 Test with plantar flexion foot/toes 2
Front lower leg chart Back lower leg chart
Bottom of foot chart

 

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