A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial of the Prevention of Clinically Important Venous Thromboembolism After Isolated Lower Leg Fractures

BACKGROUND: Among patients with isolated below-knee fractures, previous studies have detected asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis in 10%-40% using contrast venography. However, the clinical relevance of these thrombi is unknown; there is considerable uncertainty about the risk: benefit of routine thromboprophylaxis and clinical practice guidelines differ in their recommendations. METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind trial, 265 patients with …