Postoperative Joint Replacement Complications in Swedish Patients With a Family History of Venous Thromboembolism

Key Points Question Is a family history of venous thromboembolism associated with postoperative venous thromboembolism and major bleeding in patients with primary hip or knee replacement surgical procedures? Findings In this cohort study of 69 505 Swedish patients, a family history of venous thromboembolism was associated with statistically significant increased venous thromboembolism risk and reduced bleeding risk after hip and knee replacement surgical procedures. The heritability (SE) for postoperative venous thromboembolism was 20% (6%). Meaning Familial and most likely genetic factors appear to affect venous thromboembolism and major bleeding risk following hip and knee replacement surgical procedures.