Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Foot and Ankle Trauma in the National Trauma Data Bank: An Update and Reanalysis

The data regarding rates of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after foot and ankle trauma remain sparse. In this study of the National Trauma Data Bank Data set (2007–2009 and 2010–2016), these rates were reexamined and risk factors associated with these complications were assessed. Data quality is improved in the later data set; the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was 0.28% and 0.21%, respectively, in the 2010–2016 data. Prophylaxis, male gender, treatment in a university hospital, open reduction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hypertension were notable significant risk factors for pulmonary embolism. For deep venous thrombosis, male gender, bleeding disorder, angina, and prophylaxis were risk factors. Careful, individualized assessment of the risk factors associated with deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is important, and the merits of routine prophylaxis remain in question.