Pulmonary embolism after shoulder surgery: Is it a real threat?

Table 1 Risk factors for development of pulmonary embolism after shoulder surgery

General	Pulmonary embolism without deep vein thrombosis	Pulmonary embolism with deep vein thrombosis
Increased age; deficiency anaemia; congestive heart failure; chronic lung disease; metabolic syndrome; obesity; fluid and electrolyte abnormalities; proximal humerus fracture; TSA rather than HA; longer surgical time; longer hospitalization; higher altitude (over 4000 feet)	Older than 75 years of age; hypertension; diabetes mellitus; obesity; peripheral arterial disease; prolonged duration of surgery; history of cancer; congenital thrombophilia; prothrombin gene mutation; beta-thalassemia minor	Older than 40 years of age; hypertension; diabetes mellitus; obesity; smoking; personal or family history of thrombosis and thrombophilia; immobilization of the arm; pregnancy; oral contraceptive use; malignancy; central venous catheters; implantable cardiac rhythm devices

HA: Hemiarthroplasty; TSA: Total shoulder arthroplasty.

Table 2 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence patient-related risk factors for venous thromboembolism[62]

Over 60 years of age

Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2)

Known thrombophilia

Dehydration

Active cancer or cancer treatment

One or more significant medical comorbidity

Personal history or first degree relative with a history of VTE

Varicose veins with phlebitis

Hormone replacement therapy

Oestrogen-containing contraceptive therapy

Pregnancy or delivery in the previous 6 weeks

BMI: Body mass index; VTE: Venous thromboembolism.