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Deep vein thrombosis after total hip replacement: a clinical and phlebographic study
The British Journal of Surgery
|May 1, 1979
Summary
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects over half of patients post-hip replacement, with older patients at higher risk. DVT can present asymptomatically in calf veins or symptomatically in thigh veins, often on the operated side.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant complication following major orthopedic procedures.
- Total hip replacement (THR) carries a risk of developing DVT, necessitating careful monitoring and prophylaxis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of DVT in patients undergoing total hip replacement.
- To differentiate between types of DVT based on location and clinical presentation post-THR.
Main Methods:
- Phlebography was performed in 134 patients 10-14 days after total hip replacement.
- A total of 247 phlebograms (113 bilateral, 21 unilateral) were analyzed.
- Patient demographics, surgical details, and DVT findings were recorded and compared.
Main Results:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was detected in 58% of patients post-hip replacement.
- Patients with DVT were significantly older; no differences were noted for sex, prosthesis type, or mobilization day.
- Fifty percent of thrombi were asymptomatic calf vein thrombi, equally distributed. The other 50% involved thigh veins, were symptomatic in 23%, and more common on the operated side.
Conclusions:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after hip replacement can be categorized into two types: stasis-related and local trauma-related.
- Calf vein thrombi are often asymptomatic and bilateral, while thigh vein thrombi are more frequently symptomatic and unilateral, linked to the operated leg.