Extract
Look for this and other related articles in Instructional Course Lectures, Volume 58, which will be published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in February 2009:"Prevention of Symptomatic Pulmonary Embolism in Patients Undergoing Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty: Clinical Guidelines of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons," by Paul F. Lachiewicz, MDThromboembolic disease continues to pose a major threat to patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty. Despite a great deal of research, there is still controversy concerning the best prophylactic regimen. This lecture outlines the various methods of mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis, describes the pros and cons of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines for prevention of deep venous thrombosis, and presents the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) clinical guidelines for prevention of symptomatic pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing total hip and total knee arthroplasty.