title: Thromboembolic Disease After Orthopedic Trauma.
abstract: Orthopedic trauma results in systemic physiologic changes that predispose patients to venous thromboembolism (VTE). In the absence of prophylaxis, VTE incidence may be as high as 60%. Mechanical and pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis are effective in decreasing rates of VTE. Combined mechanical and pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis is more efficacious for decreasing VTE incidence than either regimen independently. If pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis is contraindicated, mechanical prophylaxis should be used. Patients with isolated lower extremity fractures who are ambulatory, or those with isolated upper extremity trauma, do not require pharmacologic prophylaxis in the absence of other VTE risk factors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
authors.forename: Paul S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Whiting
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, MCE South Tower, Suite 4200, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. Electronic address: alex.jahangir@vanderbilt.edu.
authors.forename: A Alex
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Jahangir
mesh_terms: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D061185:Mechanical Thrombolysis; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000293:injuries*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
keywords: Coagulation; Deep venous thrombosis; Orthopaedic trauma; Pulmonary embolism; Thromboprophylaxis