Introduction: Concerns regarding risk versus benefit, that is, the possible impact of surgical-site bleeding on post-operative joint infections, have contributed to a continuing debate over recommendations for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in post-surgical orthopedic patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA).
Areas covered: A comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE covering the period 2004-2009 was conducted, and published studies that focused on THA and TKA and contained data applicable to thromboprophylaxis, post-surgical wound infection and bleeding are reviewed in this paper. The search strategy included various combinations of terms related to lower limb joint arthroplasty, anticoagulant drugs, post-operative bleeding and prosthetic joint infection (wound infection). Methodological constraints included failure in some studies to define an infection, variations among the studies in the definitions of bleeding and differences in the follow-up time for capturing infection and bleeding events. Despite this, this comprehensive review identified observational, 'real-world' data that can contribute in important ways to the existing evidence base.
Expert opinion: There are insufficient data to either confirm or refute the hypothesis that post-operative bleeding is a mediating pathophysiologic factor linking pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis to an increased risk for wound infection. Studies specifically designed to examine the interrelationship between thromboprophylaxis, bleeding and wound infections following THA/TKA are warranted.