Consensus of the Orthopedic Anesthesia, Pain, and Rehabilitation Society on the use of peripheral nerve blocks in patients receiving thromboprophylaxis.

Evidence supports the concept that patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery benefit from either thromboprophylaxis or peripheral nerve blocks, especially continuous techniques. A group of anesthesiologists with significant experience in orthopedic anesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks reviewed the literature related to thromboprophylaxis and peripheral nerve blocks and their combination in orthopedics. Major bleeding, including retroperitoneal hematoma, is an established complication of thromboprophylaxis.