Venous thromboembolism after shoulder arthroplasty: a report of three cases.

Venous thromboembolism after shoulder arthroplasty is considered a rare phenomenon, but can be a dangerous and life-threatening condition. We report three cases of venous thromboembolism sustained after shoulder arthroplasty. One of the patients had a non-fatal pulmonary embolism. The other two had deep vein thrombosis, one in the operated upper extremity, and the other in a lower extremity. The cases are described in detail and discussed to reveal the possible contributing risk factors. The purpose of this case series is to increase awareness of this relatively rare, but potentially serious complication.