Heparin induced thrombocytopenia-thrombosis in orthopaedic patients

Heparin is used widely in primary prophylaxis or in the treatment of thrombosis in surgical clinics. Thrombocytopenia can occur as a complication of heparin therapy and known as heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). A fall in platelet count in the 5-10 days after first exposure to heparin (or 1-3 days after reexposure) should alert the physician to the possibility of HIT.