The effect of active toe movement (AToM) on calf pump function and deep vein thrombosis in patients with acute foot...

Patients with foot and ankle trauma treated with cast are advised to perform toe movements to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE). Our aim was to determine the effect of active toe movement on asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous calf pump function.

Patients aged 18-60 years with acute foot and ankle trauma requiring below knee non weight bearing cast were randomized to intervention (regular active toe movement) or control groups (n=100). Patients had bilateral lower limb venous ultrasound to assess for DVT on discharge from clinic. Patients requiring chemical thromboprophylaxis were excluded.

78 completed the study. 27% sustained asymptomatic DVT, with no statistically significant difference in calf pump function or DVT incidence between groups. All DVT's occurred in the injured lower limb.

Active toe movement is not a viable strategy for thromboprophylaxis in patients with acute foot and ankle trauma treated with cast.