Prevention of deep venous thrombosis: overview of available therapy options for rehabilitation patients.

The assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of deep venous thrombosis remain a significant problem facing hospitalized patients. The threat of thromboembolism is no less significant, perhaps more so, when patients are discharged from the hospital for subsequent care in rehabilitation units. These patients can have multiple risk factors that predispose them to a high risk of a thromboembolic event. It is clearly evident that thromboembolic prophylaxis is warranted, as it provides both positive clinical and economic outcomes. A variety of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic strategies can be used to decrease the risk of developing deep venous thrombosis. The method of thromboembolic prophylaxis used should be based on individual patient characteristics and documented clinical and economic advantages. The purpose of this article is to review currently available thromboembolic prophylaxis measures and the implications of their use by rehabilitation physicians.