Thromboembolism after foot and ankle surgery: A multicenter study

Mark S. Mizel, H. Thomas Temple, James D. Michelson, Richard G. Alvarez, Thomas O. Clanton, Carol C. Frey, Alan P. Gegenheimer, Shepard R. Hurwitz, Lowell D. Lutter, Martin G. Mankey, Roger A. Mann, Richard A. Miller, E. Greer Richardson, Lew C. Schon, Francesca M. Thompson, Marilyn L. Yodlowski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

100 Scopus citations

Abstract

Thromboembolic disease presents a potentially fatal complication to patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Although the incidence after hip and knee surgery has been studied and documented, its incidence after surgery of the foot and ankle is unknown. For this reason, a prospective multicenter study was undertaken to identify patients with clinically evident thromboembolic disease to evaluate potential risk factors. Two thousand seven hundred thirty-three patients were evaluated for preoperative risk factors and postoperative thromboembolic events. There were six clinically significant thromboembolic events, including four nonfatal pulmonary emboli, after foot and ankle surgery. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis was six of 2733 (0.22%) and that of nonfatal pulmonary emboli was four of 2733 (0.15%). Factors found to correlate with an increased incidence of deep vein thrombosis were nonweightbearing status and immobilization after surgery. On the basis of these results, routine prophylaxis for thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery probably is not warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)180-185
Number of pages6
JournalClinical orthopaedics and related research
Volume348
StatePublished - Mar 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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