Traumatic deep vein thrombosis in a soccer player: A case study

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Vascular Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Athletes are susceptible to vascular injuries from both contact and non-contact sports.
• Trauma is a significant cause of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT), yet athletic-related DVT cases are infrequently documented.
• Recognizing DVT and its risk factors during initial athlete evaluations is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the occurrence of traumatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in athletes.
• To emphasize the importance of considering DVT in athletes presenting with lower extremity trauma.
• To underscore the need for established return-to-sport protocols following DVT.

Main Methods:

• Case study of a former semi-professional soccer player with traumatic DVT.
• Diagnostic confirmation using duplex doppler ultrasound.
• Treatment involving anticoagulation (heparin, warfarin) and compression stockings.

Main Results:

• The patient was diagnosed with DVT following a popliteal contusion.
• Successful anticoagulation and compression therapy were administered.
• The patient experienced residual intermittent leg pain and knee effusion after returning to sport one year later.

Conclusions:

• Traumatic lower extremity DVT in athletes, though uncommon, requires thorough clinical suspicion and diagnostic workup.
• Standard DVT treatment includes anticoagulation, with potential benefits from acute thrombolytic therapy.
• There is a significant gap in scientific literature regarding safe return-to-sport guidelines for athletes post-DVT.