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 injury. There is little information available, however, regarding the association of DVT with orthotic devices commonly used in this patient population. We report an unusual case in which lesser saphenous vein DVTs were associated with the use of plastic ankle-foot orthoses (PAFOs) in a patient with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy treated with plasmaphoresis and intravenous Ig. The possible role of PAFOs in the development of the DVTs, as well as other contributing factors such as plasmaphoresis, is discussed. The need for posthospitalization DVT prophylaxis in patients with paralysis is reviewed.