Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after surgical treatment of ankle fractures: a case report and review of literature.

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are major complications that can occur after ankle injuries. We present the case of a patient with an ankle fracture who developed deep vein thrombosis and massive pulmonary embolism after surgical treatment of the ankle fracture. A review of the published data on this topic is presented. The treating physician should assess patients with ankle fracture for their risk of developing a venous thromboembolic event on an individual basis and provide thromboprophylaxis for those with an increased risk of developing such complications.