Thromboprophylaxis for Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism after Total Joint Arthroplasty in a Low Incidence Population
- Author:
Kang Il KIM
1
;
Dong Geun KANG
;
Sumit S KHURANA
;
Sang Hak LEE
;
Young Joo CHO
;
Dae Kyung BAE
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Joint Diseases and Rheumatism, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea. drkim@khu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Total joint arthroplasty;
Deep vein thrombosis;
Pulmonary embolism;
Thromboprophylaxis
- MeSH:
Arthroplasty;
Incidence;
Joints;
Korea;
Prevalence;
Pulmonary Embolism;
Venous Thromboembolism;
Venous Thrombosis
- From:The Journal of Korean Knee Society
2013;25(2):43-53
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Postoperative venous thromboembolism is one of the most serious complications following total joint arthroplasty. Pharmacological and mechanical prophylaxis methods are used to reduce the risk of postoperative symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Use of pharmacological prophylaxis requires a fine balance between the efficacy of the drug in preventing deep vein thrombosis and the adverse effects associated with the use of these drugs. In regions with a low prevalence of deep vein thrombosis such as Korea, there might be a question whether the benefits of using pharmacological prophylaxis outweigh the risks involved. The current article reviews the need for thromboprophylaxis, guidelines, problems with the guidelines, pharmacological prophylaxis use, and the current scenario of deep vein thrombosis, and discusses whether the use of pharmacological prophylaxis should be mandatory in low incidence populations.
