Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
06:45
Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
12.8K
Perioperative Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Trauma: A Practical Review
Brent Emigh1, Audrea Bose2, Andrew Stephen1
1Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013)
|January 29, 2025
Summary
Orthopedic trauma patients often have venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis stopped during surgery. However, continuing prophylaxis may be safe and reduce patient harm, as evidence does not support interruption.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Care
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Orthopedic trauma patients face a high risk of venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications.
- Peri-operative VTE prophylaxis is frequently withheld due to concerns about surgical bleeding.
- This review examines current guidelines and evidence regarding the interruption of prophylactic anticoagulation in this patient group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review guidelines and studies concerning the peri-operative withholding of prophylactic anticoagulation in orthopedic trauma patients.
- To assess the risks and benefits of continuing or interrupting VTE prophylaxis around surgery.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review was conducted.
- A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed.
- Search terms included "venous thromboembolism," "trauma," "orthopedic surgery," and "prophylaxis."
Main Results:
- The Western Trauma Association advises uninterrupted VTE prophylaxis for most orthopedic trauma surgeries.
- Major trauma and orthopedic societies offer limited specific recommendations.
- Emerging studies suggest that continuing VTE prophylaxis does not increase the risk of significant hemorrhage.
Conclusions:
- There is a lack of strong evidence and consensus supporting the interruption of VTE prophylaxis for orthopedic trauma surgery.
- Continuing VTE prophylaxis peri-operatively may be a safe strategy.
- Continuation of VTE prophylaxis could potentially decrease patient morbidity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
3.0K
To obtain accurate blood pressure measurements in clinical settings, especially when traditional methods are insufficient, healthcare professionals utilize the Doppler ultrasound technique. This method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect blood flow within the arteries, which is crucial for patients with conditions that complicate circulatory system assessment.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
3.0K
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
655
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
655
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
630
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...
630
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
482
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...
482
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
415
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,...
415