title: Venous thromboembolic disease management patterns in total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty patients: a survey of the AAHKS membership.
abstract: The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) distributed a survey to its members exploring practice patterns implemented to prevent venous thromboembolic disease (VTED) in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Of 720 (33%) members, 236 responded. Prophylaxis was prescribed for 100% of patients during the course of hospitalization for THA and TKA. Warfarin was the commonest pharmacologic treatment used for THA (66%) and TKA (59%) patients. Low-molecular-weight heparin was used in 16% of THA patients and 18% of TKA patients. The most commonly employed mechanical modality was pneumatic devices in THA (51%) and TKA (50%). Universal acceptance of the need for prophylaxis administration for patients undergoing THA and TKA is shown. The method and duration remain highly variable; although the survey illustrates such variation, it suggests there is no one best method of prophylaxis.
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. WMESKO@JUNO.COM
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Mesko
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Brand
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Iorio
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gradisar
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heekin
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Leighton
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thornberry
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001458:Bandages; D002423:Cause of Death; D003625:Data Collection; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012955:Societies, Medical; D014481:United States; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D014859:Warfarin; D001241:Aspirin