Orthopedic DVT/PE Prophylaxis Practices

Despite the existence of evidence-based guidelines, DVT/PE prophylaxis practices reported by THA/TKA surgeons participating in NBCA’s survey vary widely: 70% pneumatic compression, 69% ambulation, 58% compression stockings, 47% LMWH, 28% warfarin, 15% LMWH with transition to warfarin, and 14% aspirin.

The survey findings validate the need for interventions to address anticoagulant treatment barriers, and the need to better define optimal DVT/PE prophylaxis for THA and TKA patients to overcome longstanding therapeutic obstacles. This can be accomplished with comparative effectiveness research, combined with consensus building efforts — such as a CDC/NIH Consensus Development Conference, for example — to optimize prophylaxis among at-risk THA/TKA patients.

Prophylaxis Practices
DVT/PE Risk Versus THA/TKA Patient Awareness
Quick Facts
NBCA Survey Methodology

The NBCA DVT/PE Awareness Survey was made possible by a grant from Ortho-McNeil™, a Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.