title: [Ambulatory thromboembolism prevention in traumatology using self-injection of heparin].
abstract: In a retrospective and prospective study, 303 patients with fractures of the ankle joint treated surgically with postoperative immobilization in a plaster cast were analysed. After the introduction of thromboembolism prophylaxis with heparin for all outpatients immobilized by plaster casts the incidence of thromboembolic complications decreased significantly, from 4.5% to zero. The prophylaxis was well accepted, about 90% of the subcutaneous injections being administered by the patients themselves or family members. No serious complications were seen. Therefore, this effective prophylaxis of thromboembolism should be practised in all outpatients with a plaster cast on the lower limb and an elevated risk of thromboembolism. A simple check-up to identify patients at risk is suggested.
authors.affiliation: Unfallchirurgische Klinik, Landkrankenhaus Coburg.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zagrodnick
authors.forename: H K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Kaufner
mesh_terms: D016512:Ankle Injuries; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012646:Self Administration; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin
vernacular_title: Ambulante Thromboembolieprophylaxe in der Traumatologie durch Selbstinjektion von Heparin.