Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in ankle and foot surgeries

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is among the most feared complications by orthopedists both for due to its potentially lethal outcome and the uncertainties related to its prevention. Despite the vast literature on VTE prevention in major orthopedic surgeries, little is known about it in ankle and foot procedures. In orthopedics, adequate thromboprophylaxis requires a careful assessment of the thrombotic and hemorrhagic risks based on the procedure to be performed, as well as and knowledge on anticoagulant agents. The presentis review has the goal of assessing the risk of developingdiscusses VTE risk assessment, the modalities of thromboprophylaxis modalities, and the drugs used, with an emphasis on foot and ankle surgeries.