title: The Australian arthroplasty thromboprophylaxis survey.
abstract: Previous surveys of orthopedic surgeons have shown considerable variation in thromboprophylaxis for venous thromboembolism after joint arthroplasty. This survey aimed to determine the current practice among Australian orthopedic surgeons. A questionnaire regarding the duration, reasons, and methods of chemical and mechanical prophylaxis for hip and knee arthroplasty patients was sent to the 1082 surgeons identified; 593 (55%) members completed the questionnaire. The survey revealed that 98% of surgeons used chemical thromboprophylaxis, mainly low-molecular-weight heparin (84% hip and 79% knee). Those who use low-molecular-weight heparin were more likely to prescribe anticoagulants in fear of litigation (19.2% vs 10.1%, P = .04) and more likely to rely on protocols or guidelines (32.2% vs 17.2%, P = .004) instead of basing their decision on their own reading (52.4% vs 71.3%, P = .001). Most orthopedic surgeons in our survey have indicated that they would welcome guidelines from their association or college regarding thromboprophylaxis in arthroplasty.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. George Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Molnar
authors.forename: Deanne E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Jenkin
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Millar
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Ian A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D003625:Data Collection; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015915:Motion Therapy, Continuous Passive; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D014859:Warfarin; D001241:Aspirin