Foot and ankle surgery : official journal of the European Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
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The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether the more frequently quoted procedure and patient specific risk factors have any impact in the implementation of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following foot and ankle surgery. ⋯ In view of the unacceptable incidence of VTE and the average total risk factor score of 5 or more (for which thromboprophylaxis is recommended) in the majority of the patients, the authors feel that the routine use of thromboprophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery requiring nonweightbearing in combination with short leg cast immobilization, is warranted. This prophylaxis should continue until the patient regains adequate mobility either by weightbearing (in or out of the cast) or removal of cast immobilization (weightbearing or nonweightbearing), usually between 28 and 42 days.