Venous thromboembolism after elective shoulder surgery: a prospective cohort study of 175 patients

Our data have shown that symptomatic VTE is rare after elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, asymptomatic VTE may occur even with DVT preventive measures. Because most of the DVTs were found in the calf veins, we recommend that surgeons pay attention to the possibility of DVT in the lower extremities even after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The incidence of asymptomatic VTE after elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery was 5.7%. All patients were asymptomatic, and most of the DVTs occurred 1 or 2 days after surgery.