Abstract

The most commonly used areas in the lower extremity in subcutaneous injection applications are anterior and lateral surface of the thigh. The calf region, which is an alternative to these areas, is located in the lateral region of the gastrocnemius muscle. The aim of the study is to retrospectively evaluate of suitability of thigh and calf site subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness for subcutaneous injection through computed tomography sections. The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 140 adult patients over the age of 18 who underwent Contrast-Enhanced Lower Extremite Computed Tomography Angiography between March 2020 and March 2021. Subcutaneous tissue thicknesses of the anterior thigh, lateral thigh, and calf injection site of the subjects were measured by a specialist radiologist using computed tomography sections. As a result of the study, a comparison of subcutaneous tissue thickness in the thigh and calf was achieved according to gender and body mass index. The mean subcutaneous tissue thickness of the patients was 13.64 ± 6.85 mm on the anterior thigh, 8.82 ± 7.21 mm on the lateral side of the thigh, and 6.15 ± 3.12 mm in the calf area. It was found that there was a significant difference between subcutaneous tissue thicknesses according to their gender and body mass index. Subcutaneous tissue thickness on the anterior thigh was thicker than the lateral thigh and the calf injection site. Subcutaneous tissue thickness in females was greater than in males. Subcutaneous tissue thickness in the calf region was thicker than 4 mm in 77.1%, 8 mm in 19.3% and 12 mm in 12.3%.

Highlights

  • The most commonly used areas in the lower extremity in subcutaneous injection applications are anterior and lateral surface of the thigh

  • Subcutaneous injection points in the thigh and calf regions were detected on CT images using the method mentioned in the literature

  • The mean subcutaneous tissue (ST) thickness according to the gender was 18,24±7,07 mm in females and 9,64±3,19 mm in males on the anterior thigh; 13,46±8,17 mm in females, 4,8±2,16 mm in males on the lateral thigh and 8,04±3,5 mm in females and 4,5±1,37 mm in males in the calf region

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Summary

Data Collection

A 128-slice CT device (Optima CT 660, GE Healthcare System, Milwaukee, USA) was used to obtain Contrast-Enhanced Lower Extremity CT Angiography images of the participating individuals. Contrast-Enhanced Lower Extremity CT Angiography examinations were evaluated retrospectively by a radiologist. 2. Subcutaneous injection points in the thigh and calf regions were detected on CT images using the method mentioned in the literature. Coronal and sagittal plane reformat images were used to detect injection sites on tomography sections. The anterior (1/3 distal part of the rectus femoris muscle) and the lateral aspect (1/3 distal part of the vastus lateralis muscle) of the thigh were used to determine the thigh region

Statistical analysis
Results
Calf ST thickness
Lateral thigh
Conclusion
Full Text
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