DVT after ortho surgery

Q: The highest risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) after orthopedic surgery is? (select one)

A) 1 - 6 days

B) 7- 14 days

C) 14 - 30 days

Answer: B

The high risk of DVT is well known after total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and hip fracture surgery (HFS). This risk is highest between the first 7 to 14 days. 

Some of the less well-appreciated factors leading to DVT in postop period are injury to deep veins from the positioning of the extremity, compression of the femoral vein due to flexion, adduction of the hip during hip surgery, the anatomic position of the extremity, use of a thigh tourniquet during knee surgery, and bilateral arthroplasty.

#surgical-critical-care

#hematology

References:

1. Falck-Ytter Y, Francis CW, Johanson NA, et al. Prevention of VTE in orthopedic surgery patients: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest 2012; 141:e278S.

2. White RH, Gettner S, Newman JM, et al. Predictors of rehospitalization for symptomatic venous thromboembolism after total hip arthroplasty. N Engl J Med 2000; 343:1758.