Anglen JO, Bagby C, George R.
A randomized comparison of sequential-gradient calf compression with intermittent
plantar compression for prevention of venous thrombosis in orthopedic trauma
patients: preliminary results.
Am J Orthop 1998 Jan;27(1):53-8

Orthopaedic Trauma Service, University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics, Columbia, USA.

Trauma patients with fractures of the pelvis, acetabulum, or femur are at risk
for deep venous thrombosis complicating the treatment of their injuries. This
risk can be lessened with anticoagulant medications or with mechanical methods
such as sequential pneumatic compression. However, many patients in this
population group have contraindications to systemic anticoagulation and cannot
use sequential limb compression devices because of leg injuries or appliances.
Intermittent pneumatic compression of the plantar venous plexus is able to
provide prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis in many of these patients. We
performed a prospective, randomized, controlled comparison between plantar
compression and leg compression for prevention of deep venous thrombosis in an
orthopedic trauma population of 124 patients. Patients were evaluated with duplex
ultrasonagraphy at intervals after surgery. Both methods proved protective in
comparison with reported rates in patients not given prophylaxis, and although
the numbers were too small to give statistically meaningful results, we observed
no significant difference in the thrombosis rate (4% for plantar compression
versus 0% for leg compression). We conclude that foot pumps are an effective
alternative to calf compression for prevention of deep venous thrombosis after a
lower extremity fracture.