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Published on: September 7, 2022
[Echo Doppler post total hip arthroplasty: retrospective: study of 111 patients at CHBAH]
1CHBAH, site de.
Insights
This study on total hip arthroplasty patients found a 22% deep venous thrombosis rate and 2.7% pulmonary embolism rate. Age and female gender were identified as key risk factors for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Vascular Medicine
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are significant risks following total hip arthroplasty (THA).
- Prophylactic anticoagulation is standard, but optimal surveillance and risk factor identification remain crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of DVT and PE in THA patients receiving low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis.
- To identify risk factors associated with postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE).
- To evaluate diagnostic strategies for postoperative DVT to improve cost-effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of THA patients over six months in 2001.
- Postoperative venous Doppler ultrasound with confirmatory phlebography for clinical suspicion.
- All patients received low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis.
Main Results:
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) incidence was 22%; pulmonary embolism (PE) incidence was 2.7%.
- Identified risk factors for VTE include advanced age and female gender.
- These rates are comparable to large-scale controlled studies.
Conclusions:
- THA patients have a notable risk of DVT and PE despite prophylaxis.
- Age and female gender are significant risk factors for VTE post-THA.
- Optimizing diagnostic strategies is essential for cost-effective VTE detection.
Abstract:
We studied all the patients who underwent a total hip arthroplasty during the last six months of 2001. They all had a postoperative venous Doppler echo (possibly repeated) followed by a phlebography in case of clinical doubt. They all received a prophylactic treatment by low molecular weight heparin. Our rate of deep venous thrombosis was 22% (from which 3% are) and of pulmonary emboli was 2,7%. These figures are in keeping with those of large controlled studies. The risk factors identified are age and female gender. We discuss, based on the literature, the significance of lower deep venous thrombosis. We also discuss the best strategy to detect postoperative deep venous thrombosis in order to improve the cost/effectiveness ratio.
