Effectiveness of ASA for VTE Prophylaxis in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Objectives:Venous thromboembolic disease (VTED) is a rare complication following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Historical rates of symptomatic VTED after arthroscopic shoulder surgery, DVT and PE, are 0.26%, and 0.01-0.21%, respectively. At present, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) have no prophylaxis guidelines specific to shoulder arthroscopy. Despite this, many surgeons prescribe Aspirin (ASA) for chemical prophylaxis following RCR. The efficacy of ASA as a thromboprophylaxis after shoulder arthroscopy is unknown, but there are risks associated with its’ use. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical prophylaxis (ASA) and mechanical prophylaxis vs. mechanical prophylaxis alone in preventing VTED following RCR.Methods:A total of 914 patients underwent RCR between the months of January 2010 and January 2015. A retrospective case control study was performed. The control group (n=484) consisted of pati...