International Consensus Meeting on Venous Thromboembolism

Effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban or low-molecular-weight heparin in non-major orthopedic surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing non-major orthopedic surgery often face an increased risk of venous thromboembolism due to the necessity of immobilization postoperatively. Current guidelines commonly recommend the use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for prophylaxis, but it is associated with low patient compliance and certain side effects. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban or LMWH for thromboprophylaxis following non-major orthopedic surgery.

METHOD

Relevant literature was systematically searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase from their inception to October 1, 2023, to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban or LMWH in RCTs for thromboprophylaxis following non-major orthopedic surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 5 randomized controlled trials involving 5,101 patients were included. There was no statistically significant difference in the preventive effect against venous thromboembolism (VTE) when using rivaroxaban or LMWH following non-major orthopedic surgery (RR 0.80; 95%CI 0.31 to 2.07). In terms of safety, there was also no statistically significant difference in the incidence of bleeding events in patients undergoing non-major orthopedic surgery when using rivaroxaban or LMWH (RR 1.15; 95% CI 0.75 to 1.76).

CONCLUSION

In non-major orthopedic surgery, the risk of venous thromboembolism and bleeding complications is similar when using rivaroxaban or LMWH.

Total hip arthroplasty with second generation dual mobility system as a treatment for primary coxarthrosis, medium-term results

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis is a disabling pathology characterized by joint pain and stiffness. A prevalence of coxarthrosis of 7.4% is reported in our country. Total hip joint replacement is indicated in advanced stages, a procedure that is not free of complications, the most frequent being prosthetic dislocation, which can be prevented with dual mobility systems. The following study aims to determine the rate of complications and clinical outcomes in dual mobility systems in primary coxarthrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study included 120 cases in 114 patients diagnosed with grade III coxarthrosis, mean age was 62.43 years, with a mean follow-up of 4.5 years. Joint replacement was performed by Hardinge approach. All cases were assessed clinically using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and radiologically to demonstrate mid-term results.

RESULTS

The preoperative value on the HHS scale had a mean of 56.45, postoperative at one month 74.23; 6 months 85.40; 1 year 94.01 and at 5 years 94.84 points, representing a functional improvement of 17.78 postoperative month; 28.95 at 6 months postoperative; 37.56 at one year postoperative and 38.39 points at 5 years postoperative. A complication rate of 3.44%; 0.86% of complications were associated with the prosthetic components.

CONCLUSION

The dual mobility system should be considered as a therapeutic option in primary hip joint replacement due to excellent functional results and low complication rates.

EVIDENCE LEVEL

IV. Retrospective observational case series study.

Preoperative and Perioperative Management of Diabetics Undergoing Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery

Diabetics are a highly comorbid population with an elevated risk profile when undergoing surgery. Proper preparation and management of modifiable risk factors can optimize outcomes in diabetics. A multidisciplinary approach to preoperative optimization, including surgeons, primary care providers, and anesthesiologists, ensures diabetic patients receive comprehensive evaluation before elective surgery. Orthopedic surgeons must understand preoperative optimization goals as they pertain to nutrition, glycemic control, and cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients.