Thromboembolic prophylaxis for patients with a fracture of the proximal femur.
Patients with a fracture of the proximal femur are at high risk for thromboembolic complications necessitating some form of preoperative and postoperative thromboembolic prophylaxis. Despite the knowledge that patients with a proximal femur fracture are at particularly high risk for both deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, there is no consensus on which strategy is most effective at preventing thromboembolic events in this patient population. The pathophysiology and associated risk factors for thromboembolic complications in this patient population are discussed. We present a review of studies that address the efficacy and safety of both mechanical and pharmacological methods of thromboembolic prophylaxis to assist the orthopedic surgeon in selecting among the different modalities available for thromboembolic prophylaxis.
Della Valle
Craig J
CJ
New York University-Hospital for Joint Diseases, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York, New York, USA.
Mirzabeigi
Edwin
E
Zuckerman
Joseph D
JD
Koval
Kenneth J
KJ
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001458:Bandages; D003911:Dextrans / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000925:Anticoagulants; D003911:Dextrans; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin; D001241:Aspirin