The risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after spinal cord injury is very high. Without prophylaxis the incidence of DVT using venography is 81% and the risk of symptomatic DVT is between 12 and 23%. The risk is much lower in elective spine surgery. After discectomy or laminectomy on less than two spine levels, the risk of DVT is less than 1%. After spinal fusion or extended laminectomy, the risk can be estimated between 0.3 and 2.2%. A prophylaxis is recommended for all patients after spinal cord injury (grade A). The association of a mechanical method and heparin is recommended (grade B). The duration of prophylaxis is 3 months in patients with a motor deficit (grade C). No prophylaxis is recommended after discectomy or limited laminectomy in patients without additional risk factors. Mechanical methods are recommended after spinal fusion or extended laminectomy. For patients with additional risk factors a low molecular weight heparin is recommended.
