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Ask the Experts: DVT prophylaxis following total shoulder for trauma injuries
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KOLOA, Hawaii — In a panel discussion on different treatments for shoulder and upper extremity trauma presented here, at Orthopedics Today Hawaii 2011, Evan L. Flatow, MD, asked upper extremity surgeons if they routinely use deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis for total shoulders with fracture situations.
The following are the panel’s responses:
 Matthew L. Ramsey |
Matthew L. Ramsey, MD: We are actually looking at that using the Medicare database. The answer is: I use prophylaxis. I use aspirin. DVT [deep vein thrombosis] is not an unknown problem in upper extremity, but when you look at the results of studies on the incidence of DVT following upper extremity arthroplasty, our incidence is equivalent to lower extremity arthroplasty which is prophylactic-controlled.
 Christopher S. Ahmad |
Christopher S. Ahmad, MD: The standard is mechanical prophylaxis. At the time of surgery, they get the compression device on their lower extremity and no chemoprophylaxis unless they are at high risk. — by Lee Beadling
Reference:
- Flatow EL, et al. Panel discussion: Case presentations. Presented at Orthopedics Today Hawaii 2011. Jan. 16-19. Koloa, Hawaii.
Disclosures: Ramsey has received research support from Ortho-McNeil Janssen.
Attendees were asked: How many shoulder arthroplasties (all types) do you perform a year? Here are the results from the audience response system:
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