Abdelmonem, A., Elashhab, M., Elsheikh, A. (2021). Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Following Below Knee Plaster Immobilization. Benha Journal of Applied Sciences, 6(5), 185-190. doi: 10.21608/bjas.2021.199391
A.E. Abdelmonem; M.G. Elashhab; A.A. Elsheikh. "Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Following Below Knee Plaster Immobilization". Benha Journal of Applied Sciences, 6, 5, 2021, 185-190. doi: 10.21608/bjas.2021.199391
Abdelmonem, A., Elashhab, M., Elsheikh, A. (2021). 'Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Following Below Knee Plaster Immobilization', Benha Journal of Applied Sciences, 6(5), pp. 185-190. doi: 10.21608/bjas.2021.199391
Abdelmonem, A., Elashhab, M., Elsheikh, A. Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Following Below Knee Plaster Immobilization. Benha Journal of Applied Sciences, 2021; 6(5): 185-190. doi: 10.21608/bjas.2021.199391
Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Following Below Knee Plaster Immobilization
Orthopaedic surgery, Dept., Faculty of Medicine, Benha Univ., Benha, Egypt
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has an incidence between 0.7 and 2.69 per 1000 per year. Temporary lower limb immobilisation after an injury is a significant contributor to Deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Previous studies showed an incidence rate between 1% to 20%. However, the real incidence of DVT in patients with isolated stable ankle, foot fractures and sprains treated conservatively is not well known. Objectives: This study aims to assess the incidence of VTE after lower limb plaster immobilisation and if we should consider giving chemoprophylaxis. Patients and methods: A prospective cross-sectional study included consecutive twenty patients with stable ankle, foot fractures, and sprains managed conservatively with below-knee plasters. There was no national/local policy to offer VTE prophylaxis. VTE Risk assessments were done and documented. After Plaster removal, all patients had a Doppler ultrasound examination (DUE) to confirm or rule out VTE diagnosis. Results: Twenty patients (11men/ 12women) were followed up for at least six weeks. The Mean age was 46.30±17.50 (Range 18-70) years old. Twelve patients had below-knee cast (60%), Eight had below knee slab (40%). The mean immobilisation duration was 38.50±15.8 (Range 15-62). Thirteen patients (65%) had an increased risk for VTE. One patient (5%), 28 years female, had DVT, scoring only one point of VTE risks (oral contraceptive pills). She was a non-smoker with, BMI of 26. She was diagnosed with a popliteal DVT after removing a below-knee slab for ankle sprain at two weeks post-injury and treated accordingly with no complication. Conclusion: Incidence of DVT after below-knee cast immobilisation about 5%. Similar patients should be assessed, and proper prophylaxis is given to decrease the morbidity and mortality of having VTE
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