Clinical study on the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in patients with external fixation of lower limb fractures using an automatic ankle pump movement ceramic moxibustion rehabilitation device

Background This study aims to observe the clinical effect of an automatic ankle pump ceramic moxibustion rehabilitation device in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with external fixation of lower limb fractures.Research design and methods This prospective, single-center, double-blind randomized controlled trial included 50 patients with lower limb fractures treated between April and September 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to a control group or an observation group (n = 25 each). The control group received basic and pharmacological prophylaxis; the observation group received the same plus treatment with the ceramic moxibustion device. DVT incidence, coagulation function, limb circumference, femoral vein blood flow velocity, and activities of daily living scores were compared before and one week after intervention.Results The DVT incidence was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (p < 0.05). After one week, PT and APTT were higher, while D-Dimer and fibrinogen levels were lower in the observation group. Limb circumference differences, especially between affected and unaffected sides, were smaller, femoral vein flow velocity was higher, and ADL scores were significantly improved (p < 0.05).Conclusions The device effectively prevents DVT, improves coagulation parameters and blood flow, reduces limb swelling, and enhances functional recovery.