Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
04:19
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
1.6K
Thromboembolic Disease After Orthopedic Trauma
Paul S Whiting1, A Alex Jahangir2
1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
The Orthopedic Clinics of North America
|January 17, 2016
Summary
Orthopedic trauma increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Combined mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis significantly reduces VTE rates, with mechanical prophylaxis recommended when pharmacologic options are contraindicated.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Vascular Medicine
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Orthopedic trauma triggers systemic changes increasing venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk.
- Without prophylaxis, VTE incidence can reach 60% in orthopedic trauma patients.
- VTE poses a significant threat to patients with orthopedic injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of thromboprophylaxis in orthopedic trauma.
- To compare combined versus individual prophylaxis methods.
- To identify patient subgroups not requiring pharmacologic prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on VTE prophylaxis in orthopedic trauma.
- Analysis of VTE incidence rates with different prophylaxis strategies.
- Assessment of contraindications for pharmacologic prophylaxis.
Main Results:
- Mechanical and pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis effectively reduce VTE rates.
- Combined prophylaxis is more effective than either method alone.
- Ambulatory patients with isolated lower extremity fractures or upper extremity trauma may not need pharmacologic prophylaxis if no other risk factors exist.
Conclusions:
- Thromboprophylaxis is crucial for preventing VTE in orthopedic trauma.
- Combined mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis offers the highest efficacy.
- Risk stratification is essential to guide prophylaxis decisions, sparing certain low-risk groups.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
460
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
460
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
673
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
673
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
645
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
645
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
649
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
649
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
371
Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
371
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
561
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...
561