Activation of cascade systems by hip arthroplasty. No difference between fixation with and without cement

The acrylic bone cement has been regarded as a very potent activator of the hemostatic mechanisms. A battery of coagulation, fibrinolytic, and kallikrein variables were studied perioperatively in 21 patients undergoing hip arthroplasty with fixation of the prosthesis either with (Charnley) or without (HP-Garches) cement. Epidural analgesia was used and dextran 6 per cent as thromboprophylaxis. The HP-Garches procedure was shorter and caused less blood loss. No differences were found between the two surgical procedures regarding the activation of the cascade systems. The coagulation and fibrinolytic systems were activated early, but a week postoperatively the latter seems to predominate. A marked activation of the kallikrein system was apparent. Our study shows that despite thromboprophylaxis a marked activation of the coagulation, fibrinolytic, and kallikrein systems occurs in relation to hip arthroplasty irrespective of the use or nonuse of cement and irrespective of the volume of blood loss during surgery. It may be the reaming of the bone marrow that initiates the activation of the cascade systems.