Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis Prophylaxis After Elective Upper Extremity Surgery

Historically, upper extremity deep venous thromboses (DVTs) have been rare; however, their incidence has increased as awareness has increased. Patients who develop upper extremity DVTs often have multiple comorbidities. However, in the past decade, studies have found a small risk of upper extremity DVTs associated with orthopedic procedures involving the upper extremity. The risk of complications following a DVT, including post-thrombotic syndrome and pulmonary embolism, is substantially higher with a DVT of the upper extremity compared with a DVT of the lower extremity. Furthermore, there is no consensus regarding the role and efficacy of prophylactic measures in preventing upper extremity DVT after upper extremity surgery. This article discusses the use of prophylactic agents after elective upper extremity surgery, with an emphasis on the efficacy of commonly used interventions.