Is Blood Thinner Required for Fractured Foot?

[seekinghelpny]

My neice recently died of pulmonary embolism. A blood clot traveled from her fractured foot to her lung. She died instantly with no prior symptons of PE. She was in a cast for six weeks prior to her death. She was 32 years old, 300 lbs, and a smoker. I'm not sure if she had other risk factors. She was not on a blood thinner. My question is, should she have been put on a blood thinner by the doctor who put her in a cast?

 

[Tallrat]

I was in a cast for 12 weeks and never put on blood thinners. I had my leg x-ray'd every week so they could check for healing and any other problems. Blood clot's can happen quickly and most the time dissolve fine on there own. Sorry for your loss.

 

[Proserpina]

My neice recently died of pulmonary embolism. A blood clot traveled from her fractured foot to her lung. She died instantly with no prior symptons of PE. She was in a cast for six weeks prior to her death. She was 32 years old, 300 lbs, and a smoker. I'm not sure if she had other risk factors. She was not on a blood thinner. My question is, should she have been put on a blood thinner by the doctor who put her in a cast?

Generally not unless there's a reason to do so - she had no symptoms and your aunt was higher risk to start with (obesity and smoking) unfortunately.

 

[lealea1005]

My neice recently died of pulmonary embolism. A blood clot traveled from her fractured foot to her lung. She died instantly with no prior symptons of PE. She was in a cast for six weeks prior to her death. She was 32 years old, 300 lbs, and a smoker. I'm not sure if she had other risk factors. She was not on a blood thinner. My question is, should she have been put on a blood thinner by the doctor who put her in a cast?

I'm sorry for your loss.

Your niece's weight and the fact that she smoked already increased her risk significantly. PE is a known risk of any major surgery. People are not routinely placed on anti-coagulation prophylaxis for foot fractures pre-op.

IMHO, in your niece's case, there could be an argument made for anti-coagulation prophylaxis. On the other hand, we do not know her full medical history, including the medications she may have been taking (which may be contra-indicated with blood thinners).

Her immediate next of kin might want to speak with an attorney who will obtain copies of your niece's medical records and have them reviewed by an expert who will advise further.

 

[cbg]

I have on two separate occasions been put in a cast; once for eight weeks and once for twelve. In neither case was I given blood thinners.