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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
10:26
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Deep venous thrombosis after knee arthroscopy: a meta-analysis
Omer A Ilahi1, Jayaprakash Reddy, Ibrahim Ahmad
1Texas Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Institute, Houston, Texas, USA. oilahi@mysurgeon.com
Summary
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) occurs in 9.9% of patients after knee arthroscopy without prophylaxis. Proximal DVT incidence is 2.1%, highlighting the need for careful patient monitoring post-procedure.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Vascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a potential complication following orthopedic procedures.
- Knee arthroscopy is a common surgical intervention with varying DVT risk profiles.
- The incidence of DVT after knee arthroscopy without prophylactic measures requires precise quantification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy without antithrombotic prophylaxis.
- To provide a quantitative estimate of DVT risk in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.
- Inclusion criteria: English-language, no prophylaxis, universal lower extremity screening (ultrasound or venography), unilateral knee arthroscopy (excluding ligament/open procedures).
- Mathematical weighting applied to venography results due to higher sensitivity for DVT detection.
Main Results:
- Six studies totaling 684 patients met the inclusion criteria.
- Overall DVT incidence was 9.9% (95% CI, 8.1%-11.7%).
- Proximal DVT incidence was 2.1% (95% CI, 1.2%-3.0%), primarily detected by venography.
Conclusions:
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a consistent finding in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy without prophylaxis when screened.
- The established overall DVT rate is 9.9%, with a proximal DVT rate of 2.1%.
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