Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among trauma patients. In the UK, the Government has recently acknowledged this and, with the impending National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, is hoping to provide uniform direction of prophylactic measures for inpatients of all hospital specialties. Numerous comprehensive guidelines currently exist and provide an evidence-based approach to prophylaxis of this potentially preventable condition. This article helps to clarify the current evidence regarding prophylactic measures, along with an introduction to the new NICE guidelines and their place in the management of trauma patients.
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