Abstract
The sitting position offers an opportunity to examine the legs with the force of hydrostatic pressure added to the hemodynamic pressure from myocardial activity. Here, color changes of arterial insufficiency become readily observable as does distention of superficial veins from refluxing valves. In addition, swelling, discoloration, and ulcers of the legs – fore and aft – are easily observable as are other cutaneous lesions. It is also a position that facilitates circumferential measurements of the lower legs.
The extreme length of neural tracts to and from the lower legs makes them most susceptible to peripheral neuropathies. Simple testing for motor, sensory, and reflex function is clearly denoted.
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Phillips, R.E. (2018). Leg: Sitting Position. In: The Physical Exam. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63847-8_22
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63847-8_22
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