title: Pulmonary embolism following operative treatment of ankle fractures: a report of three cases and review of the literature.
abstract: The risks of thromboembolism following operative treatment of ankle fractures are deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). These are potentially life-threatening complications. Many orthopedic surgeons fail to appreciate the potential complications of thromboembolic events because of their rare and delayed occurrence in foot and ankle operations. The purpose of this report is to describe the potential for DVT and PE following ankle operations. We present three cases in which patients who underwent operative treatment of ankle fractures subsequently developed PE. We also review the literature on the prevalence of thrombosis, risk factors, methods of prophylaxis, and use of prophylaxis in surgical procedures of the lower extremity.
authors.affiliation: Cornell University Medical College, Ithaca, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wera
authors.forename: Guenther O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Knoblich
authors.forename: Loretta B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Chou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants