Question

A 72-year-old man in a rural hospital presents with a displaced intertrochanteric hip fracture after a fall. Surgery is delayed for 24 hours while transfer is arranged. What is the most important preventive measure to reduce risk of venous thromboembolism pre- and post-operatively?

Accepted Answer

Early pharmacological prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin plus mechanical measures

Answer

No prophylaxis is required for hip fracture

Answer

Aspirin alone

Answer

High-dose warfarin to INR 3-4 pre-operatively

Answer

Bed rest without mobilisation

Practice question

A 72-year-old man in a rural hospital presents with a displaced intertrochanteric hip fracture after a fall. Surgery is delayed for 24 hours while transfer is arranged. What is the most important preventive measure to reduce risk of venous thromboembolism pre- and post-operatively?