Incidence and Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Podiatric Surgery Medscape

Description: No guidelines or population-based research exist to guide management for podiatric surgery patients. The objective of our study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for postprocedure VTE in podiatric surgery.
Conclusions: We identified a low overall risk of VTE in podiatric surgery, suggesting that routine prophylaxis is not warranted. However, for patients with a history of VTE, periprocedure prophylaxis is suggested based on the level of risk. For podiatry surgery patients with two or more risk factors for VTE, periprocedure prophylaxis should be considered. Until a prospective study is completed testing recommendations, guidelines and care decisions for podiatric surgery patients will continue to be based on retrospective data, expert consensus, and clinical judgment.
Andrew H. Felcher, MD; Richard A. Mularski, MD, MSHS, MCR, FCCP; David M. Mosen, PhD, MPH; Teresa M. Kimes, MS; Thomas G. DeLoughery, MD; Steven E. Laxson, DPM CHEST. 2009;135(4):917-922.