Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most common complications following orthopaedic surgery, particularly surgery of the lower limb.

Due to trauma to blood vessels and inactivity after surgery there is an increase risk of forming clots in the legs (DVT) and lungs (PE).

There is a spectrum of severity of VTE ranging from a small clot in the leg that causes no symptoms to a large clot in the lungs that can be fatal in a very small number of cases.

VTE following orthopaedic surgery is potentially preventable through the use of both mechanical means (such as TED stockings) and through the use of drugs such as aspirin, clexane or warfarin.

At Petterwood Orthopaedics we take the approach outlined by the Arthroplasty Society of Australia, which can be viewed at www.aoa.org.au. Patients are stratified according to risk and deemed to be at either low or high risk of VTE post-operatively.

For low risk patients we prescribe:

• early mobilization
• TED stockings
• 150mg of Aspirin for 6 weeks

For patients at high risk of VTE we prescribe:

• pre-operative consultation with physician/haematologist/cardiologist
• early mobilization
• TED stockings
• Warfarin or Clexane for a minimum 6 week period

It is important to remember that the single most effective way of preventing clots is to get up and moving. If you have any concerns or questions regarding VTE prophylaxis please speak to Mr Petterwood at your consultation.