Perioperative thromboprophylaxis
Background information
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the leading causes of perioperative mortality in geriatric patients with a fracture
- Fatal pulmonary embolism occurs in up to 7.5% of patients with a hip fracture within 3 months
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High-risk factors associated with orthopedic/trauma surgery:
– Venous stasis (due to immobilization), supine position on operating table, intimal injury, and release of tissue factors by the fracture or surgery
- Perioperative thromboprophylaxis should be a routine aspect in the care of the geriatric patient with a fracture.