PROPHYLAXIS OF DEEP-VEIN THROMBOSIS IN TRAUMA PATIENTS

Orthopedists who use prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) n tota l joint arthroplasty are often called on to care for trauma patients. Much less is known or published about the effects of such prophylaxis in the trauma patient than in the arthroplasty patient. The questions to ask are: what is the incidence of DVT in trauma patients; what are the benefits of DVT prophylaxis; and what are the risks of DVT prophyl axis, and do the risks outweigh the benefits?