I would think that might be something to bring up with your doctor. I know leg immobilization can increase the risk of DVT, but it seems to me you would still be able to move your arm pretty well (elevate above your head, etc. which might lessen the risk in a wrist injury?!? I'm just speculating though. You may be lucky to be off Coumadin... you probably would have had one heck of an awful bruise otherwise! :)

I'd still discuss it with your doc.

@Danielle - I agree with @rmb that you should talk this over with your doctor, but I'll offer you the few things I've read about this. First, upper-extremity DVTs account for 15% or less of all DVTs, so it stands to reason that your risk level would be lower than, say, if your leg were cast. Second, one reason that lower-extremity breaks are more likely to result in DVTs is due to overall immobility, and that's less likely in your case since you didn't break a weight-bearing bone. Third, you didn't mention surgery before the cast and I assume that means you won't have any. Surgery increases the risk of DVTs, so if you're not having it, your odds of staying healthy improve.

This is purely one girl's anecdote, but I've broken both an elbow and an ankle within the last 5 years. Here's what happened:

* Elbow break = no loss of mobility, 3 weeks of recovery, no surgery - healed a-ok and without complications.

* Ankle break = obvious impact to mobility (no weight on my legs for 3 months), 2 surgeries > DVT and PE within 30 days of my first surgery.

One other thing to consider is whether you have any other conditions that might predispose you to DVT. I have rheumatoid arthritis and some doctors believe that the presence of RA increases DVT risk. Also, age - being young (under 50) means you're less likely to get DVT, but it also means a doctor may not take your case as seriously (the EMTs that showed up to my house when I called 911 with breathing problems blew off my PE theory and called my symptoms anxiety. Wrong!) If you're really worried, see a pulmonologist as they are better versed on assessing risk factors for DVT/PE.

Really good points. I have had a upper extremity DVT and have an autoimmune disease which may make me prone to clotting. But yeah, arm DVTs are less likely than lower DVTs (although how ironic both me and my brother had arm DVTs) Also upper extremity clots are less likely than lower clots to break off and travel to the lungs. But again, for peace of mind check with your doc.