Mother had spinal fusion surgery at three levels in her low back. She didn’t have any problems coming out of the surgery. They put her in a rigid back brace that limited her motion. And then she threw a blood clot in her lungs. We think it was because of the brace. Is there any way to prove it?

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the lodging of a blood clot in a pulmonary artery (blood vessel that delivers blood to the lungs). The result is a blockage in the blood supply to the lung tissue.

Lung blood clots are fairly common in hospitalized patients, especially after surgery. The most important risk factor is a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) A DVT is a blood clot in the arm or leg as a result of a hip fracture or total hip replacement.

Because DVTs and PEs can be fatal, every effort is made to keep them from occurring. Blood thinners such as heparin or Coumadin are routinely used before, during, and after surgeries involving the abdomen, pelvis, prostate, hip, or knee. Compression stockings on the legs are also ordered for each patient after major surgery of any kind.

Immobilization (bed rest) is a risk factor for the formation of blood clots. But there’s no evidence that using a lumbar brace, support, or corset of any kind will lead to the formation of blood clots. It’s more likely that a combination of risk factors all present at the same time increases the risk of blood clot formation.

These can include heart disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other minor risk factors also include the use of oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and tobacco use. Neurologic disability, long distance travel, and obesity are additional risk factors.