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SUPPLEMENTS
Thromboprophylaxis in
Orthopedic Surgery
Clifford W. Colwell Jr, MD
More than 2 million people undergo major orthopedic surgery
each year, and this rate is expected to continue rising as our
population ages. Our patients are at particularly high risk for
deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. The latest
guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians
recommend thromboprophylaxis for high-risk orthopedic surgery
patients. Although specific recommendations vary by type of surgery,
low-molecular-weight heparin, fondaparinux, warfarin, and
sometimes low-dose unfractionated heparin are effective alone
or with mechanical prophylaxis. Goals of treatment are to prevent
proximal and distal DVT, pulmonary death, chronic pulmonary
hypertension, and postthrombotic syndrome.
This activity is jointly sponsored by the Annenberg Center
for Health Sciences and Quadrant Medical Education. Supported by an educational
grant from sanofi-aventis.
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