Prophylactic Vena Cava Filter Insertion in Selected High-Risk Orthopaedic Trauma Patients

Abstract

Minimal morbidity was related to prophylactic vena cava filter insertion. There was a significant (p < 0.04); (Fisher's exact) decrease in the incidence of pulmonary embolism in the orthopaedic trauma population as a whole after the use of prophylactic vena cava filters. Follow-up ultrasound showed a 1 and 2-year inferior vena cava patency rate of 93.6% +/- 6.2% by life table analysis. We conclude that selected use of prophylactic vena cava filters in orthopaedic trauma is safe and decreases the incidence of pulmonary embolism.