Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
10:10
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Deep vein thrombosis after reconstructive shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective observational study
Andrew A Willis1, Russell F Warren, Edward V Craig
1Tri-County Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, PA, Morristown, NJ, USA.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
|December 20, 2008
Summary
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects 13% of patients after shoulder replacement surgery. Awareness of this risk is crucial for surgeons, especially in the early postoperative period.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Thromboembolic Disease
Background:
- Shoulder replacement surgery, including total shoulder replacement and hemiarthroplasty, is increasingly common.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a known complication following major orthopedic procedures, but its prevalence after shoulder arthroplasty requires further documentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively determine the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following prosthetic shoulder replacement surgery.
- To assess the incidence of symptomatic and fatal pulmonary emboli (PE) in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 100 consecutive shoulder arthroplasty patients (73 total, 27 hemiarthroplasty).
- Preoperative and postoperative assessment of venous thromboembolic disease risk factors.
- 4-limb surveillance color flow Doppler ultrasound at 2 days and 12 weeks post-surgery.
- Monitoring for symptomatic or fatal pulmonary emboli (PE).
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of DVT was 13.0% (13/100 patients).
- DVT prevalence was 10.0% at day 2 and 6.0% at week 12 post-surgery.
- Incidence of symptomatic nonfatal PE was 2.0% (2/100), and fatal PE was 1.0% (1/100).
- No statistically significant risk factors were identified due to small sample size.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of DVT after shoulder arthroplasty is 13.0%, comparable to hip arthroplasty but lower than knee arthroplasty.
- Surgeons should remain aware of the potential for perioperative thromboembolic complications after shoulder replacement.
- Vigilance for DVT and PE is warranted in both acute and subacute postoperative periods.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...