High Altitude Is an Independent Risk Factor for Developing a Pulmonary Embolism, but Not a Deep Vein Thrombosis Following a 1- to 2-Level Lumbar Fusion

Abstract

Spinal fusions performed at altitudes >4000 feet incurred higher PE rates in the first 90 days compared with patients receiving the same surgery at <100 feet but did not incur higher rates of postoperative DVTs.