Incidence and Prevention of Thromboembolic Complications for Sports and Arthroscopic-related Surgery: Evidence-based Recommendations

Abstract

The incidence of thromboembolic events following arthroscopic surgery is relatively rare. Despite this, these are important complications to be aware of, as arthroscopic procedures are performed in high frequency each year and can lead to a substantial burden within health care. Over the past several decades, pharmacologic antithrombotic prevention strategies following knee arthroscopy have been extensively studied; however, their efficacy remains controversial, and there is a lack of consensus regarding a standard prevention protocol, with the exception of the established benefits of early mobilization. Several surgical and medical risk factors have been established and are important to consider as they specifically relate to each individual patient's risk of thromboembolic disease. Based on the best available evidence, chemical thromboprophylaxis appears to be unnecessary among healthy patients but may be beneficial for higher risk patients, especially those with a prior history of venous thromboembolism. A standard screening tool for risk factors in arthroscopy patients may be a costeffective and safe solution for implementing preventative efforts.