DEEP-VEIN THROMBI ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF PLASTIC ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSES

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a well-known complication of neurologic disorders that result in immobility, such as stroke and spinal cord in jury. There is little information available, however, regarding the as sociation of DVT with orthotic devices commonly used in this patient p opulation. We report an unusual case in which lesser saphenous vein DV Ts were associated with the use of plastic ankle-foot orthoses (PAFOs) in a patient with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneur opathy treated with plasmaphoresis and intravenous Ig. The possible ro le of PAFOs in the development of the DVTs, as well as other contribut ing factors such as plasmaphoresis, is discussed. The need for posthos pitalization DVT prophylaxis in patients with paralysis is reviewed. ( C) 1998 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Am erican Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.