Venous thromboembolism and orthopedic surgery

Abstract

Thromboembolic events are common and feared complications of orthopedic surgery, particularly lower extremity arthroplasty. Both patient and procedure-related risk factors have been identified. Prevention, an important tenant of orthopedic care, involves pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic approaches. This chapter presents a general overview of the problem of thromboembolism in the orthopedic setting.