Above knee immobilisation
| Author, date and country | Patient group | Study type (level of evidence) | Outcomes | Key results | Study weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kock H-J et al, 1995, Germany | Ambulatory patients between 18 and 65 years with leg injuries requiring conservative outpatient management in below knee or cylinder casts | Open randomised controlled trial, including completed data on 339 patients. 48 were managed in above knee cylinder casts. Patients randomised to receive either no thromboprophylaxis or 32 mg of Mono-Embolex. Trial was stopped early due to meeting efficacy criteria (level of evidence 2b) | Overall DVT rate | LMWH group: 0%, Control group: 4.3% p<0.007 | Open study with no use of placebo. Some high-risk groups (previous DVT and pregnancy) excluded. High post-recruitment exclusion (52 patients), although intention to treat analysis performed. Only small numbers of patients with above knee casts included and no statistical analysis performed |
| DVT rate in above knee casts | LMWH group: 0/24=0%, Control group: 2/24=8.3% (no statistical analysis) |
DVT, deep vein thrombosis; LMWH, low molecular weight heparin.