Incidences of deep vein thrombosis and major bleeding under the administration of fondaparinux for thromboprophylaxis after periacetabular osteotomy: a retrospective observational study

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is an effective joint-preserving procedure for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Although deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is considered a serious complication of orthopaedic surgery, there is no consensus regarding a thromboprophylaxis strategy after PAO. We have routinely administered fondaparinux for DVT prophylaxis in adult patients undergoing PAO. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidences of DVT and major bleeding under the administration of fondaparinux for thromboprophylaxis after PAO. A total of 95 patients (100 hips) who underwent PAO with post-operative administration of fondaparinux for thromboprophylaxis were retrospectively enrolled. The incidences of DVT on ultrasound, major bleeding, and administration cessation were evaluated. Asymptomatic DVT occurred in one patient, major bleeding occurred in 14 hips and the administration of fondaparinux was stopped in 17 hips. Given the observed incidence of major bleeding, safer DVT prophylaxis modalities should be considered during PAO.