Congress of neurological surgeons systematic review and evidence-based guidelines on the evaluation and treatment of patients with thoracolumbar spine trauma: Prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic events

Abstract

QUESTION 1: Does routine screening for deep venous thrombosis prevent pulmonary embolism (or venous thromboembolism (VTE)-associated morbidity and mortality) in patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures? RECOMMENDATION 1: There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine screening for deep venous thrombosis in preventing pulmonary embolism (or VTEassociated morbidity and mortality) in patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures. Strength of Recommendation: Grade Insufficient QUESTION 2: For patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures, is one regimen of VTE prophylaxis superior to others with respect to prevention of pulmonary embolism (or VTEassociated morbidity and mortality)? RECOMMENDATION 2: There is insufficient evidence to recommend a specific regimen of VTE prophylaxis to prevent pulmonary embolism (or VTE-associated morbidity and mortality) in patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures. Strength of Recommendation: Grade Insufficient QUESTION 3: Is there a specific treatment regimen for documented VTE that provides fewer complications than other treatments in patientswith thoracic and lumbar fractures? RECOMMENDATION 3: There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against a specific treatment regimen for documented VTE that would provide fewer complications than other treatments in patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures. Strength of Recommendation: Grade Insufficient RECOMMENDATION 4: Based on published data from pooled (cervical and thoracolumbar) spinal cord injury populations, the use of thromboprophylaxis is recommended to reduce the risk of VTE events in patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures.