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The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of 99mTc-HMPAO leukocyte scintigraphy (LS) by means of a retrospective review of its use in 14 horses that were evaluated for orthopedic infection as a cause of lameness. A total of 17 LS exams were performed in 14 horses. LS studies were positive in 10 of 14 horses. A bacterial infection was confirmed with cytology or culture in 9 of 10 positive horses. Negative LS studies occurred in 4 of 14 horses. Necropsy confirmed the lack of infection in 2 of the 4 horses. Other clinical data and a favorable clinical outcome supported a negative study in the other 2 horses. No false negative or false positive studies were identified. It may be concluded that HMPAO-LS is an effective tool for the diagnosis of orthopedic infection in horses.

The case of a 38-year-old woman who was struck by an automobile is presented. The workup for lower extremity injuries revealed stationary arterial waves. Recognition of this arteriographic finding may avoid unnecessary confusion or exploration.

Although free flaps are currently the gold standard for distal lower extremity reconstruction, situations occasionally arise when alternative methods are needed. We present three cases of cross-leg flaps, which have been modernized with current external fixation technology and current understanding of vascular anatomy. All cross-leg flaps were based on the axial blood supply of the posterior descending subfascial cutaneous branch of the popliteal artery. This axial flap afforded considerable length and well-vascularized tissue. All patients were placed in external fixation devices. Adjacent lower extremity joints were exercised during the period of attachment. There were no major complications or flap failures. All patients were ambulatory postoperatively. We conclude that the cross-leg flap, using external fixation techniques and axially based flaps, can be successfully and expeditiously used to cover defects of the lower extremities.