• activity77054
  • CME

  • Relationship Between Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Following THA and TKA

  • Author(s)/Faculty: Sheldon I. Coleman, MD; Jose Bosque Jr, MD; Paul Di Cesare, MD
    Source: Orthopedics
    Type: Journal Articles/Items: 1
    Release Date: 3/1/2012 Expiration Date: 3/31/2013
    Credit Type: CME Number of Credit(s): 1
    Cost: $15 Provider: Vindico Medical Education

  • Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are at risk for venous thromboembolisms, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The risk of complications of venous thromboembolisms depends on the location of thrombi; potential long-term complications include recurrent venous thromboembolism, postthrombotic syndrome, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Risk of recurrence persists for several years after the initial event. The causal relationship between deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism remains controversial. Some consider them distinct clinical entities, while others have found asymptomatic distal deep vein thrombosis to be associated with elevated risk of developing pulmonary embolism. Thromboprophylaxis is important in patients undergoing THA or TKA. However, traditional anticoagulants are not ideal, particularly for long-term use. Orthopedic surgeons should be aware of the causes and potential sequelae of venous thromboembolism and of the new thromboprophylactic agents that can help prevent it.

Educational Objectives

As a result of reading this article, physicians should be able to:

  1. Recognize the clinical importance of an acute episode of venous thromboembolism and its potential long-term sequelae.
  2. Know where venous thromboembolism is most likely to originate in orthopedic patients and the conditions in which it may become symptomatic.
  3. Understand the clinical importance of pulmonary embolism and the conditions that may promote its development in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.
  4. Distinguish between the views of the AAOS and ACCP regarding the relationship between deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

This activity is approved for one year from the date of original release, March 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013.

CME Accreditation

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Vindico Medical Education and Orthopedics. Vindico Medical Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

Vindico Medical Education designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This CME activity is primarily targeted to orthopedic surgeons, hand surgeons, head and neck surgeons, trauma surgeons, physical medicine specialists, and rheumatologists. There is no specific background requirement for participants taking this activity.

How to Participate in this Activity and Obtain CME Credit

To participate in this CME activity, you must read the objectives and articles, review the presentations, complete the CME test, and complete and submit the registration form and evaluation. Give only one (1) correct answer for each question. A satisfactory score is defined as answering 80% of the questions correctly. Upon receipt of the completed materials, if a satisfactory score on the CME test is achieved, Vindico Medical Education will issue an AMA PRA Category 1™ Certificate within 4 to 6 weeks.

This CME activity is primarily targeted to orthopedic surgeons, hand surgeons, head and neck surgeons, trauma surgeons, physical medicine specialists, and rheumatologists. There is no specific background requirement for participants taking this activity.

Full Disclosure Policy

In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education’s Standards for Commercial Support, all CME providers are required to disclose to the activity audience the relevant financial relationships of the planners, teachers, and authors involved in the development of CME content. An individual has a relevant financial relationship if he or she has a financial relationship in any amount occurring in the last 12 months with a commercial interest whose products or services are discussed in the CME activity content over which the individual has control.

Drs Bosque and Coleman have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Dr Di Cesare is a consultant for Stryker. Dr Aboulafia, CME Editor, has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Dr D’Ambrosia, Editor-in-Chief, has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The staff of ORTHOPEDICS have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

The material presented in any Vindico Medical Education continuing education activity does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of ORTHOPEDICS or Vindico Medical Education. Neither ORTHOPEDICS nor Vindico Medical Education nor the authors endorse or recommend any techniques, commercial products, or manufacturers. The authors may discuss the use of materials and/or products that have not yet been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. All readers and continuing education participants should verify all information before treating patients or using any product.

Unlabeled and Investigational Usage

The audience is advised that this continuing medical education activity may contain references to unlabeled uses of FDA-approved products or to products not approved by the FDA for use in the United States. The faculty members have been made aware of their obligation to disclose such usage.