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Study: Older patients at increased risk of DVT after Achilles tendon rupture
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After a study they conducted showed high rates of deep venous thrombosis following Achilles tendon rupture, researchers recommended that physicians be more attuned to symptoms of the thrombotic condition and educate patients about the signs of possible deep venous thrombosis. They also advocated for early mobilization after these tendon ruptures, particularly in older patients.
“[W]e found a high incidence of [deep venous thrombosis] DVT development in patients with Achilles tendon rupture,” Asim M. Makhdom, MD, MSc(C), and colleagues wrote. “Until additional data are published and evidence base recommendations established, we recommend that clinicians maintain a high level of suspicion for DVT formation during postoperative patient follow-up.”
Makhdom and colleagues studied 27 patients with symptomatic DVT in conjunction with surgically treated Achilles tendon rupture. The DVTs occurred while waiting for surgery or afterwards, according to the abstract. About one-third of patients were diagnosed with DVT before surgical intervention.
Compared to younger patients in the study who were 20 years to 39 years old, the older patients who were aged 40 years and older were at greater risk for DVT. In all, 3 patients developed a proximal DVT and 24 patients developed a distal DVT.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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