Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane
Published on: December 9, 2022
Effects of injection--drug injury on ankle mobility and chronic venous disorders
Barbara Pieper1, Thomas N Templin, Thomas J Birk
1College of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. bpieper@wayne.edu
Purpose:
To identify potential confounders and test a causal model of injection-site risk, chronic venous disorders (CVD), and ankle mobility. The reliability and validity of goniometry measurements of ankle mobility were also of interest because they are seldom performed in people with a history of injection-drug use.
Design:
The study was a test-retest design, consisting of 104 participants from a methadone maintenance treatment center.
Methods:
Each participant provided demographic information, health and drug histories, and underwent bilateral ankle goniometric measures of dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, and eversion. The clinical portion of the Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology (CEAP)was used to classify CVD severity.
Findings:
Reliability of goniometry measurements ranged from .70 to .90. Causal modeling supported hypotheses of increased risk from leg injection and reciprocal effects involving ankle mobility and disease progression. Ankle inversion mobility was the strongest indicator of ankle mobility.
Conclusions:
Injury to the lower extremities from IDU affected CVD and mobility. Further research should include assessment of comorbidity and other potential confounders. Ankle inversion should remain part of the goniometry assessment.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Varicose Veins I: Introduction
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care