Venous thromboembolism is a very frequent condition that comprises a wide range of pathologies including the clinically subtle deep vein thrombosis and the potentially lethal pulmonary embolism. This potentially fatal complication is frequently seen during major trauma or secondary to orthopedic surgery. The diagnostic approach to pulmonary venous thromboembolism aims at successfully combining non-invasive approaches while reducing the need for pulmonary angiography. Venous thromboembolism and its fatal component, pulmonary embolism, should be diagnosed and treated urgently in order to decrease mortality.