[Prevention of thromboembolism in hip fracture: unfractionated heparin versus low molecular weight heparin ( a prospective, randomized study)]

In a prospective, randomized study in patients with hip fracture we discuss whether a single dose of low-molecular-heparin (Sandoparin) has the same effect as a tripple dose of standard-heparin (Liquemin: 3 x 5000 I.E.) The first dose of low-molecular-heparin respectively standard-heparin is given in the emergency room before the operation. Between 4th and 6th day following operation the patients were screened for deep vein thrombosis: Clinical examination, Liquid Crystal Contact Thermography (LCCT), colour coded ultrasound examination and with phlebography. 33 patients have been treated with standard-heparin and 35 with low-molecular-heparin. In the group of standard-heparin 30% of all the patients showed a deep vein thrombosis, whereas only 17% deep vein thrombosis were found in the group treated with low-molecular-heparin. But to reach statistical significance in both groups 60 patients are needed. Postoperative haemorrhagic complications were seen in 6.1% in the group of standard-heparin and in 8% in the group of low-molecular-heparin. The LCCT and the ultrasound examination were compared with the phlebography. The LCCT had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 85%. The ultrasound examination had a sensitivity of only 15%! Therefore the ultrasound examination is an unsuitable screening method to detect deep vein thrombosis in patients with fractures of the proximal end of the femur.