Well’s criteria for DVT : Mnemonic

A: Alternate veins i.e. Superficial collateral veins (+1)

B: Bedridden for >/= 3 days in last 1 month OR Big surgery in last 3 months (+1)

C: Cancer – ongoing treatment or within 6 months (+1)

D: DVT

• Unlikely: -2
• Previous documented history: +1
• Deep venous localized tenderness: +1

E: Edema

• Entire leg swollen: +1
• >3 cm larger calf than uninvolved side (10 cm below tibial tuberosity): +1
• Pitting edema in symptomatic leg: +1

F: Fixity – Paralysis, Paresis or Plaster immobilization (+1)

Note the 3 sets of 3:
1. Bedridden for atleast 3 days in 1 month
2. Major surgery in last 3 months
3. More than 3 cm calf enlargement

Interpretation:

• High probability if score >/= 3
• Moderate probability if score 1-2
• Low probability if score 0

Wells PS, Anderson DR, Bormanis J, et al. Value of assessment of pretrest probability of deep-vein thrombosis in clinical management. Lancet. 1997;350:1795-1798.

Dr. Sulabh Kumar Shrestha, PGY2 Orthopedics

He is the section editor of Orthopedics in Epomedicine. He searches for and share simpler ways to make complicated medical topics simple. He also loves writing poetry, listening and playing music.