JAAOS
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

J Am Acad Orthop Surg, Vol 15, No 3, March 2007, 148-155.
© 2007 the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Friedman, R. J.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Friedman, R. J.

Optimal Duration of Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism Following Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Richard J. Friedman, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Friedman is Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, and Medical Director, Charleston Orthopaedic Associates, Charleston, SC.

Dr. Friedman or the department with which he is affiliated has received nonincome support (such as equipment or services), commercially derived honoraria, or other non–research-related funding (such as paid travel) from sanofi-aventis.

Reprint requests: Dr. Friedman, Charleston Orthopaedic Associates, Suite 110, 2270 Ashley Crossing Drive, Charleston, SC 29414.

Elective total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty are associated with a high risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism. Traditionally, antithrombotic prophylaxis has been administered during the hospital stay. However, with patients spending less time in the hospital after surgery, there is a need to continue thromboprophylaxis beyond hospital discharge. The current recommendation for prophylaxis in total joint arthroplasty patients is a minimum of 10 days, with extended prophylaxis up to 28 to 35 days following total hip arthroplasty. Prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparins for approximately 4 weeks following hip arthroplasty has resulted in clinically significant reductions in the incidence of venographically confirmed deep vein thrombosis. Currently, no data support extended thromboprophylaxis beyond 10 days following total knee arthroplasty. Using weighted risk factors to assess individual risk for venous thromboembolism can help the physician determine the optimal duration of prophylaxis.






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 2007 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.