The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) said that routine ultrasound screening for postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) should be avoided in patients who undergo elective hip or knee arthroplasty.
The ultrasound exam is one of five specific tests or procedures that are commonly ordered but not always necessary in orthopedic medicine, according to AAOS. The list was released Wednesday as part of AAOS' participation in the Choosing Wisely campaign.
The other recommendations are as follows:
- Do not use needle lavage to treat patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee for long-term relief.
- Do not use glucosamine and chondroitin to treat patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Do not use lateral wedge insoles to treat patients with symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Do not use postoperative splinting of the wrist after carpal tunnel release for long-term relief.
The five targeted, evidence-based recommendations can support conversations between patients and physicians about what care is really necessary, according to AAOS.
