Anticoagulation in orthopaedic practice

Venous thromboembolism is a known complication following fractures and surgery. The incidence in orthopaedic surgeries is higher than in other specialities. Proper post procedural anticoagulation will help prevent most thromboembolic events. Several guidelines have been published directing the use of anticoagulation, most optimal agent to use and duration. The decision to anticoagulated must be based on a case-by-case basis considering patient factors as well. The following review article attempts to address these issues regarding anticoagulation in orthopaedic practice.