A Survey of Orthopedic Surgeons Regarding DVT Prophylaxis in Foot and Ankle Trauma Surgery

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Abstract

abstract This study hypothesized that thromboembolism in patients with foot and ankle trauma is higher than currently recognized, and that prophylaxis varies among surgeons. A questionnaire sent to members of two orthopedic specialty societies surveyed the use of thromboembolic prophylaxis over 1 year. Most did not use preoperative prophylaxis. Postoperatively, 44% of surgeons used prophylaxis, most commonly sequential compression devices and low molecular weight heparin. This survey suggests that thromboembolic prophylaxis is used by <50% of surgeons treating foot and ankle trauma. The reported cases of thromboembolism in this study underline the need for a prospective investigation.