Medical complications in acute rehabilitation units: deep vein thrombosis

Abstract

The acute rehabilitation unit is the transitional setting of patients progressing from acute medical management to the initiation of rehabilitative therapies. There is a large population represented within the acute rehabilitation unit at increased risk of deep vein thrombosis including patients with head injury, stroke and spinal cord injury. The diagnostic accuracy of the clinical assessment of deep vein thrombosis is limited. Noninvasive techniques such as impedance plethysmography increase the sensitivity of the diagnosis substantially while venography remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Due to the potential morbidity and mortality associated with deep venous thrombosis, prophylaxis should be considered for populations at risk in the acute rehabilitation unit and treatment instituted when the diagnosis is strongly suspected or confirmed.