Figure (4)
Pain is assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS = 1-10) or by comparison of pain in leg incision versus sternotomy. In a questionnaire, patients were asked if their leg pain was less than, equivalent to, or more than the pain from the sternotomy.
Wound healing was assessed by recording the presence of postoperative
  1. Wound drainage (serous, serosanguinous or purulent)
  2. Ecchymosis (haemorrhagic macules in the skin >2 cm)
  3. Edema (measured by ankle circumference)
  4. Hematoma (localized blood collection)
  5. Erythema
  6. Infection (superficial and deep)
  7. Wound dehiscence (need for wound dressings)
  8. Length of hospital stay especially discharge to the home was postponed due to leg wound disturbances
Cosmetic result was judged by the patient on the scale graduated:-
(1 unacceptable, 2 not satisfied, 3 satisfied, 4 very satisfied, 5 extremely satisfied).