Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a disease entity comprising deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE), represents one of the most frequent and potentially life-threatening complications in orthopaedics and traumatology [1]. The previous Austrian recommendation on VTE prophylaxis in musculoskeletal procedures, dating from 2014 [2], no longer adequately reflects current evidence-based pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies. Current international interdisciplinary guidelines on VTE prophylaxis, such as those issued by the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) [3] and the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) [4], were therefore adapted with consideration of Austrian healthcare structures. In particular, clearly defined criteria for a functional early mobilisation concept within the framework of a fast-track programme, as well as structured recommendations on VTE prophylaxis in conservative orthopaedic and traumatological treatments, have been lacking to date. To develop practice-oriented, evidence-based recommendations, an interdisciplinary consensus group comprising representatives of the Austrian medical societies relevant to this topic was convened. The aim was to formulate more structured, risk-adapted recommendations that take the Austrian healthcare context into account.
