title: The incidence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with the elective use of external fixators.
abstract: Little evidence exists about the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) with the use of external fixators. We investigated this in a cohort of 207 consecutive patients undergoing 258 elective frame applications by case note review. Case notes were obtained for 84 % of the sample population. The type of surgery, demographic data, thromboembolic risk factors and the incidence of DVT/PE were recorded. One patient experienced DVT (0.39 %) and one a PE (0.39 %). Both were of high risk and had received mechanical and chemical thromboprophylaxis during their inpatient stay. These complications were identified at least 3 months post-operatively. These findings help to more accurately counsel patients undergoing elective frame surgery on the risks of DVT/PE and also contribute to the discussion between surgeons about whether or not extended course chemical thromboprophylaxis would be of overall benefit.
authors.affiliation: London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, UK. djsroberts@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: David J S
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: UCL Institute of Biomedical Engineering, London, UK. panagiotidou@btinternet.com.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Panagiotidou
authors.affiliation: The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Stanmore, UK. matbuzz1@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sewell
authors.affiliation: The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Stanmore, UK. Peter.Calder@rnoh.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Calder
authors.affiliation: The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Stanmore, UK. David.Goodier@rnoh.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Goodier
keywords: Elective; Frame; Incidence; Prophylaxis; Thrombosis