Thromboembolism after hip and knee arthroplasty: diagnosis and treatment.
Postoperative thromboembolism is a potentially lethal complication. Its diagnosis may be difficult, as the classic clinical signs and symptoms are often absent, making a high index of suspicion imperative for diagnosis. Anticoagulant therapy is effective in reducing morbidity and mortality due to thromboembolism, but is associated with a substantial rate of bleeding complications in the immediate postoperative period. Inferior vena cava filters constitute an alternative to anticoagulant therapy, but are also associated with a substantial complication rate. The appropriate use of diagnostic tests combined with clinical suspicion can guide the orthopaedic surgeon in deciding which patients require treatment for thromboembolism.
Della Valle
C J
CJ
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute, New York, NY, USA.
Steiger
D J
DJ
Di Cesare
P E
PE
D000465:Algorithms; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003663:Decision Trees; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D016306:Vena Cava Filters
D000925:Anticoagulants