Osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, and hip fractures, are major causes of disability in older people. Orthopedic surgery for these conditions is a major component of healthcare, relieving pain and restoring mobility and quality of life. Complications of surgery include infection, bleeding, and venous thromboembolism. Fracture complications also include fat emboli syndrome and compartment syndrome. This presentation will translate evidence-based guidelines for prevention and treatment of complications in orthopedic patients into clinical practice

Apply current guideline-recommended management strategies in preventing, detecting and treating VTE in orthopedic patients.
Identify signs and symptoms of fat emboli syndrome
Summarize criteria for effectively evaluating compartment syndrome and infection risk and for initiating prophylactic therapy