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Deep vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niao Sung Hsiang, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|January 13, 2001
Summary
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) occurs in 63.6% of patients, primarily in the calf. Most DVTs are symptomatic and require treatment, highlighting the need for vigilance post-TKA.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Vascular Medicine
- Thromboembolic Disease
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
- The incidence of DVT in Asian populations undergoing TKA may be underestimated.
- Understanding DVT prevalence is crucial for patient management and prophylaxis strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of DVT after TKA in a southern Taiwanese population.
- To assess the correlation between DVT and various clinical factors.
- To evaluate the necessity of routine DVT prophylaxis post-TKA.
Main Methods:
- Ascending venograms were performed on 105 knees in 102 patients post-TKA.
- Orthopedic radiologists assessed venograms for DVT, blinded to patient clinical status.
- Statistical analysis correlated DVT with medical conditions, anesthesia, and physical findings.
Main Results:
- Overall DVT incidence was 63.6% (68/107), with 95.6% distal and 4.4% proximal.
- No increased incidence of femoral/iliac vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism was observed.
- Symptomatic DVT requiring treatment occurred in approximately 70% of affected patients.
Conclusions:
- DVT incidence after TKA in this Taiwanese cohort mirrors Western populations.
- Proximal thrombosis and pulmonary embolism rates were lower than previously reported in Western studies.
- The high rate of symptomatic calf DVT suggests a need for careful monitoring and potential prophylaxis.