Deep Vein Thrombosis and Lower Limb Immobilization
When a lower limb is immobilized with a plaster cast due to a fracture,
venous blood flow decreases and congestion may occur as a result of reduced mobility and external compression.
If the injury is accompanied by trauma, the body’s blood coagulation activity increases even further,
raising the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Studies using venography have reported that
the incidence of DVT after lower limb immobilization with a plaster cast
ranges from approximately 4% to 30%.
(Source: Korean Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis, modified from the Japanese Guidelines for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism.)
