Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Oral Contraceptive Pills Are Not a Risk Factor for Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism After Arthroscopic
Austin V Stone1, Avinesh Agarwalla2, Anirudh K Gowd2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
Background:
Worldwide, more than 100 million women between the ages of 15 and 49 years take oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). OCP use increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) through its primary drug, ethinylestradiol, which slows liver metabolism, promotes tissue retention, and ultimately favors fibrinolysis inhibition and thrombosis.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effects of OCP use on VTE after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Study Design:
Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.
Methods:
A large national payer database (PearlDiver) was queried for patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The incidence of VTE was evaluated in female patients taking OCPs and those not taking OCPs. A matched group was subsequently created to evaluate the incidence of VTE in similar patients with and without OCP use.
Results:
A total of 57,727 patients underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery from 2007 to 2016, and 26,365 patients (45.7%) were female. At the time of surgery, 924 female patients (3.5%) were taking OCPs. The incidence of vascular thrombosis was 0.57% (n = 328) after arthroscopic shoulder surgery, and there was no significant difference in the rate of vascular thrombosis in male or female patients (0.57% vs 0.57%, respectively; P > .99). The incidence of VTE in female patients taking and not taking OCPs was 0.22% and 0.57%, respectively (P = .2). In a matched-group analysis, no significant difference existed in VTE incidence between patients with versus without OCP use (0.22% vs 0.56%, respectively; P = .2). On multivariate analysis, hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 2.00; P < .001) and obesity (OR, 1.43; P = .002) were risk factors for VTE.
Conclusion:
OCP use at the time of arthroscopic shoulder surgery is not associated with an increased risk of VTE. Obesity and hypertension are associated with a greater risk for thrombolic events, although the risk remains very low. Our findings suggest that patients taking OCPs should be managed according to the surgeon's standard prophylaxis protocol for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:23Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...