Abstract
Anticoagulation in the elderly can be very challenging. UFH, LMWH, and warfarin are effective first line agents for VTE prophylaxis in hip fracture patients. However, the use aspirin as a single agent after major orthopedic surgery is controversial, but more strongly favored by orthopedic surgeons. Differences in the approach taken by orthopaedic surgeons as compared to medical specialists have been discussed, and need to be further evaluated. There is often a greater fear of bleeding in the elderly due to age-associated risk, coexisting diseases, and polypharmacy that is appreciated by both orthopaedic surgeons and medical specialists alike. Intermittent compression devices may provide an added beneficial effect to other interventions, and carry no risk of bleeding.
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Walsh, K., Bruza, J. (2011). Anticoagulation. In: Pignolo, R., Keenan, M., Hebela, N. (eds) Fractures in the Elderly. Aging Medicine. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-467-8_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-467-8_5
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