Metodi e costi della profilassi della trombosi venosa profonda in chirurgia ortopedica in Italia

Introduction Pulmonary embolism, recurrent venous thromboembolism and post-thrombotic syndrome are major effects of deep vein thrombosis. As major orthopedic surgery for hip and knee is an important risk factor for these events, pharmacologic and/or physical prophylaxis is recommended. The study was designed to a) document methods of prophylaxis and estimate associated health care costs borne by the Italian National Health Service (NHS) and by patients who are administered the prophylaxis for hip/knee surgery; b) to detect possible determinants of interruption and/or switch of the therapy commenced during the hospital stay.