Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism

Pulmonary embolism is still the largest single cause of postoperative mortality (1%-3%) from major reconstructive lower extremity joint surgery. It is imperative that the surgeon who deals with trauma and musculoskeletal disorders be informed about the prevention of venous thromboembolic disease, recognize the magnitude of the problem, and then take effective steps. Attention must be given to the use of physical methods and the administration of effective antithrombotic agents, including anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents as well as combination agents, to prevent thromboembolic disease.