Knee Surg Relat Res.  2013 Jun;25(2):43-53. 10.5792/ksrr.2013.25.2.43.

Thromboprophylaxis for Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism after Total Joint Arthroplasty in a Low Incidence Population

• Kim KI
• Kang DG
• Khurana SS
• Lee SH
• Cho YJ
• Bae DK

• KMID: 2094241
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5792/ksrr.2013.25.2.43

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.

Keyword

Total joint arthroplasty; Deep vein thrombosis; Pulmonary embolism; Thromboprophylaxis

MeSH Terms

Arthroplasty
Incidence
Joints
Korea
Prevalence
Pulmonary Embolism
Venous Thromboembolism
Venous Thrombosis