The risk of venous thromboembolism in patients following arthroplasty may be reduced by continuing chemical thromboprophylaxis for up to 35 days post-operatively. This prospective cohort study investigated the compliance of 40 consecutive consenting patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty with self-administration of a recommended subcutaneous chemotherapeutic agent for six weeks after surgery. Compliance was assessed by examination of the patient for signs of injection, number of syringes used, and a self-report diary at the end of the six-week period. A total of 40 patients, 15 men and 25 women, were recruited. One woman was excluded because immediate post-operative complications prevented her participation. Self-administration was considered feasible in 87% of patients (95% confidence interval (CI) 76 to 98) at the time of discharge. Among this group of 34 patients, 29 (85%) were compliant (95% CI 73 to 97). Patients can learn to self-administer subcutaneous injections of thromboprophylaxis, and compliance with extended prophylaxis to six weeks is good

Introduction. No published work exists regarding deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) incidence with the elective use of external fixators. The aim of this work was to establish the rate of DVT and PE in such cases to help inform whether thromboprophylaxis guided by risk factors is adequate or if a more aggressive approach is required. Patients and methods. Information from a prospectively maintained electronic database and case notes were examined for consecutive patients from March 2005 to June 2011. Occurrence of DVT and PE, detected by ultrasound or CT angiogram, were recorded. Risk factors for thromboembolism, age, weight, height, surgical indications, type of surgery and operative time were recorded. As recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) thromboprophylaxis use is guided by risks of thromboembolism and bleeding. For adults and older adolescent patients contralateral leg compression stockings and an intraoperative calf pump were used. Mobilisation began the morning after surgery and the majority of cases permitted to bear weight fully. Results. Two hundred and seven (207) individuals underwent 255 primary applications of Ilizarov, Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) or monolateral fixator, 173 tibial, 63 femoral and 19 to other bones. Case notes were obtained for 182 individuals (88%), representing 214 operations (84%). One DVT and one PE were recorded, an overall incidence of 2/214 (0.9%) (excluding those under 16 years old 2/143 (1.4%)). In both cases mechanical and chemical prophylaxis had been used as guided by risk assessment. The PE was sustained by a person of notably high risk, surgery involving excision of tibial adamantinoma and a high body mass index (45). He had also recently travelled from overseas (a travel time of over 3 hours). Conclusions. The rate of DVT/PE for elective application of external fixators is low with risk assessment guiding prophylaxis

Background. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Effectiveness recommends both low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and Rivaroxaban for venous thromboembolic (VTE) prophylaxis following lower limb arthroplasty. Despite evidence in the literature that suggests Rivaroxaban reduces VTE events, there are emerging concerns from the orthopaedic community regarding an increase in wound complications following its use. Methods. Through the orthopaedic clinical directors forum, Trusts replacing LMWH with Rivaroxaban for lower limb arthroplasty thromboprophylaxis during 2009 were identified. Prospectively collected Hospital episode statistics (HES) data was then analysed for these units so as to determine rates of 90-day symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), major bleed (cerebrovascular accident or gastrointestinal haemorrhage), all-cause mortality, and 30-day wound infection and readmission rates before and after the change to Rivaroxaban. 2752 patients prescribed Rivaroxaban following TKR or THR were compared to 10358 patients prescribed LMWH. Data was analysed using odds ratios (OR). Results. There were significantly more wound infections in the Rivaroxaban group (3.85% vs. 2.81%, OR=0.72; 95% CI 0.58–0.90). There were no significant differences between the two groups for PE (OR=1.52; 0.77–2.97), major bleed (OR=0.73; 0.48–1.12), all-cause mortality (OR=0.93; 0.46–1.87) and re-admission rate (OR=1.21; 0.88–1.67). There were significantly fewer symptomatic DVTs in the Rivaroxaban group (0.91% vs. 0.36%, OR=2.51; 1.30–4.82). Discussion. This study is the first to describe the real impact of the use of Rivaroxaban in the NHS. When compared with LMWH in lower limb arthroplasty patients, there were fewer DVTs in the Rivaroxaban group. However, wound infection rates were significantly higher following Rivaroxaban use whilst providing no reduction in symptomatic PE or all-cause mortality

Surgical management for acute or impending pathologic fractures in metastatic bone disease (MBD) places patients at high-risk for post-operative venous thromboembolism (VTE). Due to the combination of malignancy, systemic cancer treatment, and surgical treatment, VTE-risk is increased 7-fold in patients with MBD compared to non-cancer patients undergoing the same procedure. The extent and duration of post-operative hypercoagulability in patients with MBD remains unknown and thromboprophylaxis guidelines were developed for non-cancer patients, limiting their applicability to address the elevated VTE-risk in cancer patients. Thrombelastography (TEG) analysis is a point-of-care test that measures clot formation, stabilization, and lysis in whole blood samples. The TEG parameter, maximal amplitude (MA), indicates clot strength and the threshold of ≥65 mm has been used to define hypercoagulability and predict VTE events in non-cancer patients requiring orthopaedic surgery. Therefore, this study aims to quantify the extent and duration of post-operative hypercoagulability in patients with MBD using serial TEG analysis. Consecutive adults (≥18 years) with MBD who required orthopaedic surgery for acute or impending pathologic fractures were enrolled into this single-centre, prospective cohort study. Serial TEG analysis was performed onsite using a TEG®6s haemostasis analyzer (Haemonetics Corporation, Boston, MA) on whole blood samples collected at seven timepoints: pre-operatively; on post-operative day (POD) 1, 3, and 5; and at 2-, 6-, and 12-weeks post-operatively. Hypercoagulability was defined as MA ≥65 mm. Participants received standardized thromboprophylaxis for four weeks and patient-reported compliance with thromboprophylaxis was recorded. VTE was defined as symptomatic DVT or PE, or asymptomatic proximal DVT, and all participants underwent a screening post-operative lower extremity Doppler ultrasound on POD3. Descriptive statistics were performed and difference between pre-operative MA values of participants with VTE versus no VTE was evaluated using Student's t-test (p≤0.05). Twenty-one participants (10 female; 47.6%) with a mean age of 70 ± 12 years were enrolled. Nine different primary cancers were identified amongst participants, with breast (23.8%), colorectal (19.0%), and lung cancer (14.3%) most frequently reported. Most participants (57.1%) were hypercoagulable pre-operatively, and nearly half remained hypercoagulable at 6- and 12-weeks post-operatively (47.1 and 46.7%, respectively). VTE occurred in 5 patients (23.8%) and mean MA was 68.1 ± 4.6 mm at the time of diagnosis. Mean pre-operative MA values were significantly higher (p=0.02) in patients who experienced VTE (68.9 ± 3.5 mm) compared to those who did not (62.7 ± 6.5 mm). VTE incidence was highest in the first week post-operatively, during which time four VTE events (80%) occurred. The proportion of patients in a hypercoagulable state increased at three consecutive timepoints, beginning on POD3 (85.0%), increasing on POD5 (87.5%), and peaking at 2-weeks post-operatively (88.9%). Current thromboprophylaxis guidelines do not consider cancer-associated risk factors that contribute to increased VTE incidence and prescription duration may be inadequate to address prolonged post-operative hypercoagulability in patients with MBD. The high rate of VTE events observed and sustained hypercoagulable state indicate that thromboprophylaxis may be prematurely terminated while patients remain at high risk for VTE. Therefore, extending thromboprophylaxis duration beyond 4-weeks post-operatively in patients with MBD warrants further investigation

Major orthopaedic fractures are an independent risk factor for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which are significant causes of preventable morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. Despite thromboprophylaxis, patients who sustain a pelvic or acetabular fracture (PA) continue to have high rates of VTE (12% incidence). Thrombelastography (TEG) is a whole-blood, point-of-care test which provides an overview of the clotting process. Maximal amplitude (MA), from TEG analysis, is the measure of clot strength and values ≥65mm have been used to quantify hypercoagulability and increased VTE risk. Therefore, the primary aim was to use serial TEG analysis to quantify the duration of hypercoagulability, following surgically treated PA fractures. This is a single centre, prospective cohort study of adult patients 18 years or older with surgically treated PA fractures. Consecutive patients were enrolled from a Level I trauma centre and blood draws were taken over a 3-month follow-up period for serial TEG analysis. Hypercoagulability was defined as MA ≥65mm. Exclusion criteria: bleeding disorders, active malignancy, current therapeutic anticoagulation, burns (>20% of body surface) and currently, or expecting to become pregnant within study timeframe. Serial TEG analysis was performed using a TEG6s hemostasis analyzer (Haemonetics Corp.) upon admission, pre-operatively, on post-operative day (POD) 1, 3, 5, 7 (or until discharged from hospital, whichever comes sooner), then in follow-up at 2-, 4-, 6-weeks and 3-months post-operatively. Patients received standardized thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin for 28 days post-operatively. VTE was defined as symptomatic DVT or PE, or asymptomatic proximal DVT, and all participants underwent a screening post-operative lower extremity Doppler ultrasound on POD3. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the association between VTE events and MA values. For the primary outcome measure, the difference between the MA threshold value (≥65mm) and serial MA measures, were compared using one-sided t-tests (α=0.05). Twenty-eight patients (eight females, 29%) with a mean age of 48±18 years were included. Acetabular fractures were sustained by 13 patients (46%), pelvic fractures by 14 patients (50%), and one patient sustained both. On POD1, seven patients (25%) were hypercoagulable, with 21 patients (78%) being hypercoagulable by POD3, and 17 patients (85%) by POD5. The highest average MA values (71.7±3.9mm) occurred on POD7, where eight patients (89%) were hypercoagulable. At 2-weeks post-operatively, 16 patients (94%) were hypercoagulable, and at four weeks, when thromboprophylaxis was discontinued, six patients (40%) remained hypercoagulable. Hypercoagulability persisted for five patients (25%) at 6-weeks and for two patients (10%) by three months. There were six objectively diagnosed VTE events (21.4%), five were symptomatic, with a mean MA value of 69.3mm±4.3mm at the time of diagnosis. Of the VTE events, four occurred in participants with acetabular fractures (three male, 75%) and two in those with pelvic fractures (both males). At 4-weeks post-operatively, when thromboprophylaxis is discontinued, 40% of patients remained hypercoagulable and likely at increased risk for VTE. At 3-months post-operatively, 10% of the cohort continued to be hypercoagulable. Serial TEG analysis warrants further study to help predict VTE risk and to inform clinical recommendations following PA fractures

Introduction. The use of intramedullary lengthening devices is becoming increasingly popular. There are no published data regarding the incidence of venous thromboembolism following intramedullary lengthening and no reports or guidance for current practices on use of thromboprophylaxis. Following a case of post-operative deep vein thrombosis in our institution, we felt that it is important to assess best practice. We conducted this survey to collect data that would describe current practice and help guide consensus for treatment. Materials and Methods. We have identified surgeons across the UK that perform intramedullary lengthening through the British Limb Reconstruction Society membership and a Precise Users database. Surgeons were contacted and asked to respond to an online survey (SurveyMonkey - SVMK Inc.). Responses to thromboprophylaxis regimes employed in their practice and cases of venous thromboembolism were collated. Results. 24 out of 54 surgeons identified responded with a total of 454 cases of intramedullary lengthening (352 femoral and 102 tibial nails) performed over the last 5 years. Only one case of DVT following femoral lengthening was reported. There is wide variability in practice both in terms of thromboprophylaxis risk assessment, choice of medications (20% no pharmacological treatment, 75% Low molecular Weight Heparin, 5% Aspirin) and duration of treatment (0–42 days). The vast majority of surgeons (85%) felt that there was insufficient evidence available to guide their practice. Conclusions. Intramedullary lengthening is a relatively recent and novel surgical treatment. As a result there is limited data available to guide decision making regarding aspects of treatment such as thromboprophylaxis. This is reflected in the wide variation in practice reported in this study. There is both a need and a desire to gather data that will allow us to come to a consensus and to guide safe practice

Thrombelastography (TEG) is a point-of-care tool that can measure clot formation and breakdown using a whole blood sample. We have previously used serial TEG analysis to define hypercoagulability and increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk following a major fracture requiring surgical treatment. Additionally, we have used serial TEG analysis to quantify the prolonged hypercoagulable state and increased VTE risk that ensues following a hip fracture. Recently developed cartridge-based platelet mapping (PLM) using TEG analysis can be used to activate platelets at either the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor or at the Thromboxane A2 (AA) receptor, in order to evaluate clot strength when platelets are activated only through those specific receptors. This study aim was to evaluate platelet contribution to hypercoagulability, in order to identify potential therapeutic targets for VTE prevention. We hypothesized that there would be a platelet-predominant contribution to hypercoagulability following a hip fracture. Patients aged 50 years or older with a hip fracture treated surgically were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Exclusion criteria were: prior history of VTE, active malignancy, or pre-injury therapeutic dose anticoagulation. Serial TEG and PLM analyses were performed at admission, post-operative day (POD) 1, 3, 5, 7 and at 2-, 4-, 6- and 12-weeks post-operatively. All patients received thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for 28 days post-operatively. Hypercoagulability was defined as maximal amplitude (MA; a measure of clot strength) over 65mm based on TEG analysis. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare MA values with this previously established threshold and a mixed effects linear regression model was used to compare MA values over time. Independent samples t-tests and Chi-sqaured analyses were used to compare between the surgical fixation and arthroplasty groups. Forty-six patients with an acute hip fracture were included, with a mean age of 77.1 (SD = 10.6) years, with 61% (N=11) being female. Twenty-six were treated with arthroplasty (56.5%), while the remainder underwent surgical fixation of their hip fractures. TEG analysis demonstrated post-operative hypercoagulability (mean MA over 65mm) at all follow-up timepoints until 12-weeks. PLM identified a platelet-mediated hypercoagulable state based on elevated ADP-MA and AA-MA, with more pronounced platelet contribution demonstrated by the AA pathway. Patients treated with arthroplasty had significantly increased AA-MA compared with ADP-MA at POD 3 and at the 12-week follow-up. Thrombelastography can be used to identify hypercoagulability and increased risk for VTE following a hip fracture. Platelet mapping analysis from this pilot study suggests a platelet-mediated hypercoagulable state that may benefit from thromboprophylaxis using an anti-platelet agent that specifically targets the AA platelet activation pathway, such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). This research also supports differences in hypercoagulability between patients treated with arthroplasty compared to those who undergo fracture fixation

Elderly patients undergoing surgery for a hip fracture are at risk of thromboembolic events (TEV). The risk of TEV is now rare due to thromboprophylaxis. However, hip fracture treatment has evolved over the last decade. The risk of TEV may have been modified. The objective of this study was to determine the risk of symptomatic TEV following surgery for a hip fracture, in an elderly population. Retrospective cohort study of all patients > 65 years old undergoing surgery for a femoral neck or intertrochanteric hip fracture in two academic centers, between January 1st 2008 and January 1st 2019. The follow-up was fixed at 3 months. The cumulated risk of thromboembolic events was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and a predictive logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors. 3265 patients were eligible for analysis. The mean age was 83.3 ±8.1 years old and 75.6% of patients were female. The mortality was 7.55% (N=112) at 3 months. 98.53% of this cohort received thromboprophylaxis. The cumulated risk for a thromboembolic event was 3.55% at 1 month and 6.41% at 3 months (N=99). There were 9 fatal pulmonary embolisms. 89.19% thromboembolic events occurred within 20 days following surgery. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio 1.909 [1.179–3.089]), renal failure (odds ratio 1.896 [1.172–3.066]) and the use of a bridge between different types of anticoagulant (odds ratio 2.793 [1.057–7.384]) were associated with TEV. The risk of bleeding was 5.67% at 1 month and 9.38% at 3 months (N=142). 77% of bleeding events were hematomas. The risk of thromboembolic events is higher than expected in a population treated for this condition. Most thromboembolic events occur shortly following surgery. The risk of bleeding is high and most of them are hematomas. Future research could focus on the management of thromboprophylaxis in elderly patients undergoing surgery for a hip fracture

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the second most common complication and pulmonary embolism (PE) is the fourth most common cause of death after a hip fracture. Despite thromboprophylaxis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is detected in up to 45% of hip fracture patients. Thrombelastography (TEG) is a whole-blood, point of care test capable of providing clinicians with a global assessment of the clotting process, from fibrin formation to clot lysis. Maximal amplitude (mA) from TEG analysis is a measure of clot strength. Elevated admission mA values of >65mm and >72mm have been determined to be independent predictors of in-hospital PE. The coagulation index (CI) is calculated based on TEG parameters and defines hypercoagulable state as CI >3. This study aimed to use serial TEG analysis to determine the duration of hypercoagulable state after hip fracture. A prospective cohort of hip fracture patients >50 years of age amenable to surgical treatment (AO 31A1–A3 & 31B1–B3) were enrolled at a Level I trauma centre. Serial TEG analysis (TEG 6S) was performed every 24-hours from admission until 5-days post-operatively and at 2- and 6-week follow-up visits. All patients received a minimum of 28 days of thromboprophylaxis. Descriptive statistics and single sample t-tests were used for comparison of mA to the 65mm threshold. Thirty-five patients (26 female) with a median age of 83 (range = 71–86) years were included. On admission, 31.4% and 82.9% of patients were hypercoagulable based on mA >65mm and CI, respectively. At 2 weeks, all patients remained hypercoagulable, however, mA >72mm showed that 16 patients (47.1%) were at even higher risk for VTE. At 6-weeks, 65.7% and 97.1% of patients were hypercoagulable based on mA >65mm and CI, respectively. When compared with the mA >65mm threshold, patients were hypocoagulable at the time of admission (mA = 62.2 (±6.3), p = 0.011), but became significantly more hypercoagulable at 2-weeks (mA = 71.6 (±2.6), p < 0 .001), followed by continued hypercoagulability at 6-weeks, however not significantly elevated above the 65mm threshold (mA = 66.2 (±3.8), p = 0.058). One patient developed a symptomatic DVT at 2-weeks and had a mA = 72.9 and a CI of 5.9. This is the first study to demonstrate that >50% of hip fracture patients remain hypercoagulable 6 weeks post fracture despite thromboprophylaxis, and there are individual hypercoagulable responses. This is critical, as guidelines only recommend 28 to 35 days of thromboprophylaxis in this high-risk population. Previously determined mA thresholds may be a more sensitive test for risk-stratifying patients' VTE risk than the CI threshold. Additionally, assessing ΔmA using serial TEG may better predict VTE risk

Total Joint Arthroplasty (TJA) is a successful orthopaedic procedure allowing dramatic clinical and functional improvements. Globally, there's been an increase in demand and performed cases associated with an increase in complications. Subsequently, focus on the prevention of complications has become important worldwide. The incidence of venous-thrombolic events (VTE) despite great attention has not diminished despite much investigation. A balance between efficacy and safety from the available agents is essential. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been commonly used, but oral anti-coagulants have become more popular. The aim of this study was to assess the adherence LMWH and the effectiveness and safety of preventing VTE in post-operative arthroplasty patients in a South African setting. We conducted a prospective cohort study that included hip and knee, primary and revision, arthroplasty patients who received thromboprophylaxis with one daily injection of LMWH for 14 days post discharge. Patients who omitted 1 or more doses during the follow up period were classified as “non adherent”. A questionnaire was used at follow up visits at least 6 weeks post-operatively. 100 consecutive patients were followed up. The mean age of patients was 63.45 years. There were 68 % female patients. There was a 92% compliance rate. 60 % of patients had the injection administered by a family member, 38 % administered it themselves and 2 % had the injection administered by health professionals. Venous thromboembolic events were confirmed in 5 % at 7.86 days after surgery. Three patients had persistent wound drainage after surgery, however, none required reoperation or readmission. Compliance with LMWH is high and is comparable with oral agents. It is effective in preventing VTE and safe with regards to bleeding and wound complications in a South African setting. Patient education regarding medications may improve compliance of the medication

Abstract. Background. In 2018 NICE produced their guidelines with regards to the prevention of hospital-acquired thrombosis which extended the age range to include 16- and 17-years old patients, suggesting that these patients are risk assessed and receive thromboprophylaxis if indicated. We analysed the incidence of VTE in this age group in our institution and found it to be extremely low and often not related to risk factors commonly included in adult risk assessment tools. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 13,951 patients aged 16- and 17-years of age in our admission database at the University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) over a period of 7 years between 2013 and 2019. This was cross-referenced with our imaging database which identified scans carried out for suspected Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). Results. There were 1,275 admissions and 12,676-day-case attendances over the study period. Of these, 145 patients had scans for suspected VTE. 13 patients had positive scans and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of the 13 positive scans, 10 were excluded and 3 patients were included in the study. Conclusion. This study shows that the risk of VTE in the 16- and 17-year-old age group is extremely low in patients attending hospital (0.1% in admitted patients and 0.007% in day attenders). We question whether routine risk assessment for VTE in this age group, especially using existing adult tools, is efficacious. The guidance acknowledges the evidence for prescribed drugs is both lacking and the prescription for such agents being outside their Licencing Authorisation

Prolonged bedrest in hospitalized patients is a major risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), especially in high risk patients with hip fracture. Thrombelastography (TEG) is a whole blood viscoelastic hemostatic assay with evidence that an elevated maximal amplitude (MA), a measure of clot strength, is predictive of VTE in orthopaedic trauma patients. The objective of this study was to compare the TEG MA parameter between patients with hip fracture who were more mobile post-operatively and discharged from hospital early to patients with hip fracture with reduced mobility and prolonged hospitalizations post-operatively. In this prospective cohort study, TEG analysis was performed in patients with hip fracture every 24-hours from admission until post-operative day (POD) 5, then at 2- and 6-weeks post-operatively. Hypercoagulability was defined by MA > 65. Patients were divided into an early (within 5-day) and late (after 5-day) discharge group, inpatient at 2-weeks group, and discharge to MSK rehabilitation (MSK rehab), and long term care (LTC) groups. Two-sample t-test was used to analyze differences in MA between the early discharge and less mobile groups. All statistical tests were two-sided, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. In total, 121 patients with a median age of 81.0 were included. Patients in the early discharge group (n=15) were younger (median age 64.0) and more likely to ambulate without gait aids pre-injury (86.7%) compared to patients in the late discharge group (n=105), inpatients at 2-weeks (n=48), discharged to MSK rehab (n=30), and LTC (n=20). At two weeks post-operative, the early discharge group was significantly less hypercoagulable (MA=68.9, SD 3.0) compared to patients in the other four groups. At 6-weeks post-operative, the early discharge group was the only group to demonstrate a trend towards mean MA below the MA > 65 hypercoagulable threshold (MA=64.4, p=0.45). Symptomatic VTE events were detected in three patients (2.5%) post-operatively. All three patients had hospitalizations longer than five days after surgery. In conclusion, our analysis of hypercoagulability secondary to reduced post-operative mobility demonstrates that patients with hip fracture who were able to mobilize independently sooner after hip fracture surgery, have a reduced peak hypercoagulable state. In addition, there is a trend towards earlier return to normal coagulation status as determined by the TEG MA parameter. Post-operative mobility status may play a role in determining individualized duration of thromboprophylaxis following hip fracture surgery. Future studies comparing TEG to clinically validated mobility tools may more closely evaluate the contribution of venous stasis due to reduced mobility on hypercoagulation following hip fracture surgery

Prolonged bedrest in hospitalized patients is a major risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), especially in high risk patients with hip fracture. Thrombelastography (TEG) is a whole blood viscoelastic hemostatic assay with evidence that an elevated maximal amplitude (MA), a measure of clot strength, is predictive of VTE in orthopaedic trauma patients. The objective of this study was to compare the TEG MA parameter between patients with hip fracture who were more mobile post-operatively and discharged from hospital early to patients with hip fracture with reduced mobility and prolonged hospitalizations post-operatively. In this prospective cohort study, TEG analysis was performed in patients with hip fracture every 24-hours from admission until post-operative day (POD) 5, then at 2- and 6-weeks post-operatively. Hypercoagulability was defined by MA > 65. Patients were divided into an early (within 5-day) and late (after 5-day) discharge group, inpatient at 2-weeks group, and discharge to MSK rehabilitation (MSK rehab), and long term care (LTC) groups. Two-sample t-test was used to analyze differences in MA between the early discharge and less mobile groups. All statistical tests were two-sided, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. In total, 121 patients with a median age of 81.0 were included. Patients in the early discharge group (n=15) were younger (median age 64.0) and more likely to ambulate without gait aids pre-injury (86.7%) compared to patients in the late discharge group (n=105), inpatients at 2-weeks (n=48), discharged to MSK rehab (n=30), and LTC (n=20). At two weeks post-operative, the early discharge group was significantly less hypercoagulable (MA=68.9, SD 3.0) compared to patients in the other four groups. At 6-weeks post-operative, the early discharge group was the only group to demonstrate a trend towards mean MA below the MA > 65 hypercoagulable threshold (MA=64.4, p=0.45). Symptomatic VTE events were detected in three patients (2.5%) post-operatively. All three patients had hospitalizations longer than five days after surgery. In conclusion, our analysis of hypercoagulability secondary to reduced post-operative mobility demonstrates that patients with hip fracture who were able to mobilize independently sooner after hip fracture surgery, have a reduced peak hypercoagulable state. In addition, there is a trend towards earlier return to normal coagulation status as determined by the TEG MA parameter. Post-operative mobility status may play a role in determining individualized duration of thromboprophylaxis following hip fracture surgery. Future studies comparing TEG to clinically validated mobility tools may more closely evaluate the contribution of venous stasis due to reduced mobility on hypercoagulation following hip fracture surgery

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication after total hip and knee arthroplasty. There is still no consensus regarding the best mode of thromboprophylaxis after lower limb arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to ascertain the efficacy, safety profile and rate of adverse thromboembolic events of aspirin as extended out of hospital pharmacological anticoagulation for elective primary total hip and knee arthroplasty patients and whether these rates were comparable with published data for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Data was extracted from a prospective hospital acquired thromboembolism (HAT) database. The period of study was from 1st Jan 2013-31st Dec 2016 and a total of 6078 patients were treated with aspirin as extended thromboprophylaxis after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty. The primary outcome measure of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism within 90 days postoperatively was 1.11%. The secondary outcome rates of wound infection, bleeding complications, readmission rate and mortality were comparable to published results after LMWH use. The results of this study clearly show that Aspirin, as part of a multimodal thromboprophylactic regime, is an effective and safe regime in preventing VTE with respect to risk of DVT or PE when compared to LMWH. It is a cheaper alternative to LMWH and has associated potential cost savings

Thromboprophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after elective arthroplasty remains controversial. Previous surveys have shown considerable variation amongst orthopaedic surgeons, and the topic is still being debated. Chest physicians recently advocated that randomised data demonstrating a risk reduction with long- established thromboprophylaxis have been ignored by orthopaedic surgeons. We present the current thromboprophylaxis practice amongst AOA members performing elective hip and knee replacements and discuss its rationale. All orthopaedic surgeons in the AOA were asked to complete a one page postal questionnaire asking for information regarding: whether they performed elective hip or knee arthroplasty, which methods of mechanical and/or chemical prophylaxis were routinely used, the time frame in ceasing thromboprophylaxis, the motive in using thromboprophylaxis, and whether thromboprophylaxis guidelines released by the AOA or RACS would be helpful in their orthopaedic practice. Responses from the survery are currently being collected and analysed. These results will be ready for presentation at the AOA conference. The results of the survey will be presented in addition to a discussion of the rationale behind current use of post-operative thromboprophylaxis for elective hip and knee arthroplasty and a need for clinical guidelines

It is widely recognised that pelvic disruption in association with high-energy trauma is a life-threatening injury. The potential morbidity and mortality associated with acetabular injuries are less well understood. Due to chronic underfunding and the absence of a comprehensive and coordinated national approach to the management of acetabular trauma throughout the UK, patients can incur prolonged recumbency. Prompt and appropriate referral for specialist management, thromboprophylaxis and venous thrombosis surveillance are important issues for the referring centre. We performed a postal questionnaire to establish the current clinical practice in the specialist centres throughout the UK in pelvic and acetabular trauma, with respect to time to surgery, thromboprophylaxis, and surveillance. We identified twenty-one units and thirty-seven surgeons in the NHS who deal with pelvic and acetabular injuries. The mean time to surgery from injury in the UK is 8.5 days (range 2-19 days). The larger units that accept and treat patients from outside their region experience the greatest delay to surgery. Mechanical thromboprophylaxis was used in 67% (14) of the units. 24% (5) use arterio-venous boots, 19% (4) use calf pumps, and 52% (11) use TEDS stockings. No unit routinely use prophylactic IVC filters in acetabular trauma. Chemical thromboprophylaxis is routinely used in 100% (21) of the units. 95% (20) used prophylactic doses of unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin. Clinical surveillance alone for thromboembolism is employed in 90% (19) of the units. Only 2 (10%) units routinely perform radiological surveillance with ultrasound Doppler on its acetabular fracture cases pre-operatively. Currently there is no published directory of dedicated pelvic and acetabular surgeons in the UK. There is no general consensus on the approach to thromboprophylaxis and surveillance in acetabular trauma in the UK. There is no consensus approach to thromboprophylaxis and surveillance in the literature

Study Aim. To assess the impact of two oral thromboprophylaxis agents against Clexane with regard to range of movement (ROM) following TKR with or without haemostasis following tourniquet release. Methods & Results. Thromboprophylaxis choice following total knee replacement (TKR) has become of interest with the introduction of oral anticoagulants and support for these by NICE. Specific concerns with oral agents include a perceived elevated level of anti-coagulation and soft tissue complications. The population (n=264) was subclassified into cohorts regarding thromboprophylaxis cover: Clexane, Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran. Each subgroup was subdivided into whether surgery was performed with or without haemostasis following tourniquet release. This study demonstrates Clexane is associated with a better and earlier return of ROM post-operatively as compared to oral the thromboprophylaxis agents. This effect was more obvious when combined with haemostasis following early tourniquet release (p< 0.05). The oral thromboprophylaxis agents Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran had a relative negative effect on ROM as compared against Clexane. This was independent of whether the surgery was performed with or without haemostasis following tourniquet release. There was no different between the subgroups with repect to change of serum haemoglobin, symptomatic venous thromboembolism or rate of return to theatre. Conclusions. This study demonstrates Clexane to have a beneficial effect over the oral anticoagulants, Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran, on ROM and speed of recovery post TKR. This effect was significant (p< 0.05) when combined with genicular vessel haemostasis following early tourniquet release. We hypothesise independent of intra-operative haemostasis of genicular vessels after torniquet release, elevated small vessel ooze secondary to the oral thromboprophylaxis has a detrimental impact on ROM post TKR

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful surgeries to relieve pain and dysfunction caused by severe arthritis of the knee. Despite developments in prophylactic methods, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) continue to be a serious complication following TKA. Otherwise DVT/PE is known to be a relatively low incidence in Asian patients, its accurate incidence is still controversial. Therefore, we prospectively investigated the incidence of DVT/PE after primary TKA by contrast enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) and venous ultrasonography (US) in Japanese Patients. Methods. We prospectively investigated 51 patients who underwent primary TKA at the hospital from July 2013 to December 2013. All were of Japanese ethnicity. The mean age at the surgery was 74.9 years and average BMI was 26.0. There were 45 (88.2%) cases of osteoarthritis and 5 (9.8%) of rheumatoid arthritis. A single knee surgery team performed all operations with cemented type prostheses by utilizing pneumatic tourniquet. There were 21 cases of one-staged bilateral TKA and 30 of unilateral TKA. All patients were applied intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) until 24 hours and graduated compression stockings for 3[高木1] weeks after the operation. Beginning from the day after the surgery, the patients were allowed walking with walker, along with the gradual range of motion exercise for physical thromboprophylaxis. Low-dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH) as a chemical thromboprophylaxis was administered subcutaneously for 3 days after the surgery. Informed consent was obtained regarding this thromboprophylaxis protocol. CE-CT and venous US were performed at the 4th day after surgery and images were read by a single senior radiologist team. The patients without DVT/PE by examination, they did not take additional chemical thromboprophylaxis. In cases of existence of DVT, continuous heparin administration and oral warfarin were applied and adjusted in appropriate dose for treatment. Warfarin was continued to be applied for at least three months until the patients had no symptoms and normal D-dimer level. In cases of PE, additional ultrasonic echocardiography (UCG) was performed, and then we consulted cardiologist to treat for PE. Results. CE-CT was performed in 42 patients (82.3%), otherwise nine patients (17.7%) could not take the examination because of exclusion criteria. There was no side-effect regard to contrast medium. The incidence of DVT and/or PE was 32 patients (62.7%), including two PE (3.9%), 21 DVT (41.1%) and nine both PE and DVT (17.6%). Six-teen patients were used LDUH routinely for 3 days after surgery. Five patients were used continuous heparin administration and oral warfarin instead of using LDUH because of medical co-morbidities. Additional continuous heparin administration and oral warfarin after LDUH use was needed in 26 patients. Three patients who had duodenal ulcer with chronic pancreatitis, massive PE with right heart strain and multiple DVT/PE with HIT antibody were needed another treatment. Conclusion. We prospectively investigated 51 patients for DVT/PE after primary TKA using CE-CT and venous US. The incidence of DVT/PE after primary TKA was 62.7%, including 21.5% of PE, as high frequency in Japanese patients

Stable ankle fractures can be successfully treated non-operatively with a below knee plaster cast. In some European centres it is standard practice to administer thromboprophylaxis, in the form of low molecular weight heparin, to these patients in order to reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of DVT in such patients in the absence of any thromboprophylaxis. We designed a prospective study, which was approved by the local ethics committee. We included 100 consecutive patients with ankle fractures treated in a below knee plaster cast. At the time of plaster removal (6 weeks), patients were examined for signs of DVT. A colour doppler duplex ultrasound scan was then performed by one of the two experienced musculoskeletal ultrasound technicians. We found that 5 patients developed a DVT. Two of these were above knee, involving the superficial femoral vein and popliteal vein respectively. The other three were below knee. None of the patients had any clinical symptoms or signs of DVT. None of the patients developed pulmonary embolism. Of these five patients, four had some predisposing factors for DVT. The annual incidence of DVT in the normal population is about 0.1%. This can increase to about 4.5% by the age of 75. DVT following hip and knee replacement can occur in 40-80% of cases. Routine thromboprophylaxis may be justified in these patients. However, with a low incidence of 5% following ankle fractures treated in a cast, we believe that routine thromboprophylaxis is not justified

Background. Orthopaedic surgeons are increasingly pressured to consider thromboprophylaxis for patients when little evidence exists. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of fatal pulmonary embolism following office attendance in our outpatient fracture clinic. Methods. Between October 2004 and September 2006 details of all new patients referred to our orthopaedic fracture clinic were prospectively entered into an audit database. Patients did not receive any form of thromboprophylaxis. Data was cross referenced with a national mortality database to identify all patients who subsequently died within 90 days of attendance in fracture clinic. Results. 11,502 new patient fracture clinic appointments occurred during the study period. 5604 patients had lower limb injuries. Twenty three patients died within 90 days of being seen. The mean age of these patients was 75 years (range 52–100). Two of the 23 patients attended fracture clinic with lower limb injuries. Review of the medical records showed no evidence of pulmonary embolism. Assuming a worst case scenario that both died of fatal pulmonary embolism the incidence of fatal pulmonary embolism following attendance in fracture clinic with a lower limb injury is no higher than 0.036% (95% CI 0.09%–0.33%). Conclusion. The incidence of fatal PE following outpatient management of lower limb fractures is very low. This incidence data will inform decisions on the risk-benefit analyisis of thromboprophylaxis in this group of patients