The Effect of Limb Elevation in Preventing Venous Thrombosis

Abstract

Venographic studies preoperatively and postoperatively in patients being treated for fracture of the hip were utilized to show occlusion of the deep leg venis. This investigation points to the effectiveness of elevation of the lower extremities in reducing the rate of venous thrombosis in these patients. An incidence rate of 20 per cent in this group of patients is compared with an incidence rate of 52 per cent in patients from an earlier series who did not have the foot of the bed elevated. Although the series is small, the reduction in the rate of venographic evidence of venous thrombosis with elevation of the foot of the bed recommends this simple maneuver in patients with fracture of the hip.