[Prevention of thrombosis with low molecular weight heparin in ambulatory patients with injury of the lower extremity: an ultrasound study].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of thrombo-embolism in outpatients with traumatic injuries of the lower limb, which are immobilised by plaster cast. 204 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I (99 pat.) got a daily injection of a low molecular weight heparin. In group II (105 pat.) no prophylaxis was done. The diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was carried out by compression sonography. A total of 24 patients developed DTV: In group 16 patients (6.1%), in group II 18 (17.1%) (p less than 0.05). In patients with fractures in group I (22 pat.) 4 DVT (14.8%) occurred and in group II (35 pat.) 10 (28.6%), respectively. The median age of all the patients was 34.7 years and relatively low. A general prophylaxis in all outpatients having traumatic injuries of the lown limb with immobilisation by cast is recommended.