Pulmonary thromboembolism after surgical treatment of ulnar pseudoarthrosis: a case report

Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2011;45(4):284-7. doi: 10.3944/AOTT.2011.2426.

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the consequently developed pulmonary embolism are devastating complications in orthopedic surgery. DVT occurs less frequently (1-2% of all cases) in the upper extremity than the lower extremity. We report a 54-year-old male patient who developed DVT and pulmonary thromboembolism after surgical treatment of an ulnar pseudoarthrosis. The presented case suggested the use of a low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis after upper extremity surgeries necessitating long-term immobilization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Plates
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
  • Pseudarthrosis / surgery*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy
  • Radiography
  • Ulna Fractures / surgery
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnosis*
  • Venous Thrombosis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight