Deep venous thrombosis following sports injury to the calf ‐ a potentially dangerous complication

No cases of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) following sporting Injury to the calf have previously been reported in the medical literature. DVT's in such circumstances may not be a rare occurrence. The signs of DVT are unreliable and often masked by the signs of trauma. Consideration of the history of possible risk factors, a high Index of suspicion and careful re‐evaluation of clinical signs during treatment may well lead to a correct diagnosis of DVT. This diagnosis may be confirmed by definitive Investigations such as ascending venography. Early and appropriate Intravenous heparin followed by oral anticoagulation therapy should prevent the serious consequence of pulmonary embolism. The anticoagulant effect of aspirin and other non‐steroidal anti‐Inflammatory agents may Justify their routine early use in such injuries for prophylaxis of thrombosis as well as relief of pain and Inflammation. Three cases of deep venous thrombosis following acute Injury to the calf are presented.