Management of below-knee DVT (BKDVT) in trauma patients is uncertain. We hypothesized that BKDVT can be managed with observation only.
Secondary analysis on trauma inpatients March 2017-September 2019 with risk assessment profile ≥5. Management of BKDVT included observation with ultrasound. BKDVT was compared to above-knee DVT (AKDVT), and BKDVT with progression to AKDVT/PE compared to no progression.
Of 1988 patients, 136 (6.8%) BKDVT and 23 (1.2%) AKDVT. 7 (6.9%) BKDVT progressed to AKDVT/PE. 6.9% had BKDVT progression, associated with higher ISS (36.7 vs 21.6, p = 0.005), longer prophylaxis delay (121 vs 45 h, p = 0.02) and longer hospital LOS (25.6 vs 7.8, p = 0.01). None experienced post-thrombotic syndrome.
Majority of BKDVT in hospitalized trauma patients did not progress to AKDVT. Observation for progression, rather than treatment, was not associated with increased PE risk or thrombotic sequelae. Observation with serial ultrasound may serve as a practical alternative to anticoagulation in trauma patients with BKDVT.
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