title: Pulmonary embolism after minor elective orthopedic procedure.
abstract: The occurrence of pulmonary embolism, in spite of thromboprophylaxis after a minor elective orthopedic surgery (release of m. rectus femoris tendon) is reported. In case of this severe complication, an early diagnosis is of outmost importance to enable optimal therapy introduction. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are frequent complications after total joint replacement, however, they may also develop after minor surgical orthopedic procedures. The possible causes of pulmonary embolism after release of m. rectus femoris tendon included the history of varicose veins and sclerozation of calf veins, and operative procedure with intraoperative pressure upon large veins of the iliofemoral region, which may and is expected to occur during this procedure. The importance of thrombopropylaxis in orthopedic surgical procedures is emphasized by this case presentation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of Medicine and Emergency Medical Center, Zagreb, Croatia. esmigovec@yahoo.com
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Smigovec
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tripković
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sulentić
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Smigovec
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haspl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003286:Contracture / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight