Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious medical concern after surgical interventions. The overall incidence of clinically symptomatic VTE after foot and ankle surgery is considered to be low. However, there are limited data on the actual incidence of symptomatic VTE after foot and ankle surgery especially in our region. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of clinically symptomatic VTE after foot and ankle surgery in two tertiary medical centers and to review the most recent literature on VTE incidence, risk factors, and prophylaxis after foot and ankle surgery. This study is divided into two parts: a retrospective case series and a review of the literature from 2017 to 2018. A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent foot or ankle surgery in two tertiary medical centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for 3 consecutive years. Patients 18 yr of age and older were included. The patients' demographic data (age, gender, body mass index [BMI]), medical comorbidities (diabetes mellitus [DM] and hypertension [HTN]), type of procedure, and the use of prophylaxis were obtained from the medical records. The incidence of clinically symptomatic VTE was determined based on the 90-days follow-up and/or the radiographic report. All of the information was then confirmed by calling patients on the phone. Data were entered and analyzed. Out of 125 patients, 69 (55.2%) were female and 56 (44.8%) were male. Patients had a mean age of 38.7 yr and a BMI of 28.11 kg/m2. The incidence of clinically symptomatic VTE was 0.8% (one out of 125), diagnosed in a 39-year-old male who was medically cleared and not on prophylaxis. Symptomatic deep vein thrombosis was confirmed by the radiographic report. The incidence of symptomatic VTE after foot and ankle surgery appeared to be low (less than 1%). The decision to prescribe thromboprophylaxis should be based on individual factors and characteristics.