Routine Prophylactic Vena Cava Filtration Is Not Indicated after Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

The incidence of DVT and PE in SCI patients was similar to that of the overall trauma population when appropriate DVT prophylaxis was used. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that SCI associated with long bone fracture significantly increases the incidence of DVT. On the basis of the low incidence of PE in the present study, routine placement of prophylactic caval filters does not appear warranted in all SCI patients. However, SCI patients with long bone fractures, patients with DVT formation despite prophylactic anticoagulation, or patients with contraindications to anticoagulation may be appropriate candidates for prophylactic caval filtration.