Thrombosis associated with physical restraints.
OBJECTIVE
Physical restraint is controversial, but still frequently used in psychiatric units. We describe two cases of thromboembolic phenomena, one with a fatal outcome, in association with physical restraint.


METHODS
The world literature on physical restraint and thrombosis was reviewed by undertaking a search of electronic databases.


RESULTS
To our knowledge, we are the first to report thrombosis associated with physical restraint.


CONCLUSIONS
Immobilization and trauma to the legs while restraining a patient are adequate explanations for the occurrence of thrombosis. Special attention should be paid to thrombosis when employing restraints in psychiatric wards. Further systematic research into physical restraints in psychiatry is clearly needed.
Hem
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E
Department of Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
Steen
O
O
Opjordsmoen
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S
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*