Deep vein thrombosis and thromboprophylaxis in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

There is no clear evidence in the literature regarding the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Literature also lacks on the recommendations on thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing elective arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. We conducted a prospective analysis to assess incidence of DVT in patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.

120 consecutive patients with MRI proven ACL injury who were operated for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were enrolled in this prospective study. None of the patients had risk factors (on history) for DVT, and all were below the age of 45 years. All cases were operated upon by a single surgeon and a standard rehabilitation regime was followed. The patients underwent clinical examination and screening (Doppler ultrasonography/venous scan) for any DVT, on the day prior to surgery, day of discharge (Day 3) and at 4 weeks postsurgery. None of the patients received any form of thromboprophylaxis against DVT.

One hundred and twelve patients (61 males and 51 females) completed the study. The average age was 31.6 years (range 24-42 years). All patients underwent arthroscopic assisted ACL reconstruction surgery within 3 weeks of the injury. Two patients (males) in the series had Doppler venous scan proven DVT. One patient was asymptomatic but the screening Doppler picked up the DVT on the third postoperative day. The other patient was symptomatic at 12 weeks with pain and swelling in the leg and had ultrasound -proven DVT.

In our study the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is 1.78%. We do not recommend routine thromboprophylaxis in patients, who are not high risk candidates for thrombosis and are of less than 45 years, in patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, with early postoperative rehabilitation.