Pathophysiology of Venous Thromboembolic Disease

Venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease is an evolving, multifactorial disease spectrum ranging from venous thrombosis to pulmonary embolism. Virchow's triad, as described over a century ago, includes venous stasis, a hypercoaguable state, and endothelial damage of the vessel wall. Patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures, particularly arthroplasty and trauma patients, are at increased risk for VTE. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of VTE can potentially improve the preoperative and postoperative management of patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures, in order to diminish the risk of developing a venous thromboembolic event.