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Minor Leg Injuries Linked to Increased Risk for Venous Thrombosis
Minor leg injuries may increase the risk for venous thrombosis, according to a case-control study in Archives of Internal Medicine.
The study included nearly 2500 adults with first episodes of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and about 3500 controls. Minor injuries in the 3 months before thromboembolism or study entry were reported by 12% of cases and 4% of controls.
Leg injuries, including muscle or ligament ruptures and sprains, were associated with significantly increased risk for venous thrombosis (odds ratio, 5.1), while injuries in other areas were not. The association was strongest in the month preceding thrombosis, and in patients with genetic predispositions to thromboembolism.
Noting that patients with minor injuries often present to primary care first, the authors conclude: "There may be an important task for general practitioners to identify subjects who are at a high risk of developing venous thrombosis and subsequently to provide prophylactic measures."
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Archives of Internal Medicine article (Free abstract; full text requires subscription)
Archives of Internal Medicine editorial (Free)
Published in Physician's First Watch January 15, 2008
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