Unexpectedly high incidence of venous thromboembolism after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: prospective, observational study

Abstract

The incidences of DVT and PE after ACLR were investigated using ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT without pharmacological prophylaxis. The incidences of asymptomatic DVT and PE were revealed to be 16.4% and at least 7.3%, respectively. These incidences, especially PE, were unexpectedly high and might suggest a need for thromboprophylaxis. Advanced age was identified as the risk factor for DVT after ACLR. Patients with advanced age should be considered for pharmacological prophylaxis after ACLR.