Up-to-date thromboprophylaxis in elective spinal surgery. A systematic review

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) present a high incidence after surgery, posing a high risk in surgical practice. Although a consensus does exist on thromboprophylaxis in orthopedic surgery, this topic remains controversial in regard to spinal surgery. In this current paper, we review and discuss the different forms of prophyilaxis presented in literature, in order to develop guidelines on prophylactic measures in spinal surgery, improving patient´s outcomes and reducing any medical/legal problems that could arise from a thrombotic complication.