**5.1 Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prevention**

As tibial plateau fractures are associated with considerable soft tissue trauma and sometimes with prolonged operation times using a tourniquet, DVT is not a rare complication (Williams et al., 1995).

The use of one of the low-molecular-weight heparins is advisable. One should prolong their use for more than 3 weeks until the complete mobilisation of the knee and the pacient. Foot and calf mechanical compression devices can also be used with success. Compressive antithromboembolic stockings are always mandatory.
