[Thromboembolism in orthopedic trauma].
Trauma increases risk of thromboembolic complications. Thus, in pelvic fractures and spinal injuries the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is about 35-60%. Half occur in the pelvic veins and are the most likely to result in pulmonary embolism. While symptomatic pulmonary embolism occurs in 2-10% of patients, more have silent pulmonary embolism. 0.5-2% of pulmonary embolisms are fatal. In lower extremity trauma the incidence of DVT is about 58%, with 18% of them in the proximal veins. Thromboembolic complications are the prime cause of morbidity and mortality among trauma patients, yet they can be prevented efficiently and cost-effectively. The arsenal of prophylactic agents includes heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and mechanical devices including inferior vena cava filters.
Khoury
A
A
Orthopedic Surgery Dept., Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem.
Mosheiff
R
R
Liebergall
M
M
D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009017:Morbidity; D010384:Pelvic Bones; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality