Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Considerations in Orthopedic Surgery

• Published in: The Orthopedic clinics of North America Vol. 48; no. 2; pp. 127 - 135
• Main Authors: Saleh, Jasmine, MD, El-Othmani, Mouhanad M., MD, Saleh, Khaled J., MD, MSc, FRCS(C), MHCM, CPE
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-04-2017
• Subjects: Deep vein thrombosis; Humans; Incidence; Orthopedic Procedures - adverse effects; Orthopedic Procedures - methods; Orthopedics; Perioperative Care - methods; Perioperative clearance; Postoperative Complications - prevention & control; Primary Prevention - methods; Prophylaxis; Pulmonary embolism; Pulmonary Embolism - etiology; Pulmonary Embolism - prevention & control; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Treatment; Venous thromboembolism; Venous Thrombosis - etiology; Venous Thrombosis - prevention & control; Pulmonary embolism; Treatment; Prophylaxis; Deep vein thrombosis; Perioperative clearance; Venous thromboembolism; Risk factors
• ISSN: 0030-5898; 1558-1373
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2016.12.003

Patients undergoing orthopedic surgery have an increased risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). These complications are considered detrimental, as they cause major postoperative morbidity and mortality and lead to a substantial health care burden. Because of the high incidence and serious nature of these complications, it is essential for orthopedic surgeons to have a comprehensive knowledge of the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of acute DVT and PE. Perioperative management of orthopedic patients to prevent postoperative DVT and PE and optimize postoperative outcomes is also discussed in this review.