Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Demonstrator of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt
2
Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt
3
Professor of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
4
Assist. Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Lower extremities orthopedic surgeries carry a major risk for devastating
complications as incision complication, venous thromboembolism; prohibition of these
complications is the foremost nursing goal. Buerger-Allen exercise is capable of improving
child’s lower extremity tissue perfusion thus boosting wound healing. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the efficacy of Buerger Allen exercise on local circulation and wound healing
of children’s lower extremities post orthopedic surgeries. Research design: a quasiexperimental research design was conducted. Sampling: purposive sampling of 60 children
who recently had foot and ankle orthopedic surgery at Pediatric Surgical Orthopedic
Department at Tanta Universal Teaching Hospital was carefully selected and enrolled in the
current study. Tools: three tools were employed to assemble the requisite data including;
Structured interview questionnaire schedule, Tissue perfusion assessment sheet, and Surgical
wound healing assessment sheet. Results: the present study revealed that Buerger Allen
Exercise was efficient in improving local skin temperature, wound edges and adjacent skin
color, supporting granulation tissue formation and epithelialization, enhancing the ankle
brachial index score, reducing capillary refill time, peripheral tissue edema, wound size and
depth, wound exudate, and necrotic tissue type and amount. Conclusion: Buerger Allen
exercise was beneficial in improving lower extremity circulation, tissue perfusion, and wound
healing in children who had foot and ankle orthopedic surgery. Recommendation: Specific
training program pertaining to Buerger Allen exercise in the postoperative phase in pediatric
orthopedic should be designated and presented in special training sessions to all orthopedic
nurses.
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