Incidence and Risk Factors for Post-Thrombotic Syndrome in Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty

J Arthroplasty. 2019 Mar;34(3):560-563. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2018.10.013. Epub 2018 Oct 16.

Abstract

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is common after total joint arthroplasty (TJA), and can cause the sequela of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), which is associated with decreased quality of life and increased treatment cost. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and risk factors for PTS in patients with DVT following primary unilateral total knee and hip arthroplasty.

Methods: We conducted this follow-up study involving patients developing DVT after primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty at our institution between April 2010 and March 2017. Each patient received a follow-up clinical interview regarding PTS-related symptoms and signs. We introduced demographic, clinical, and surgical data into the analysis to identify the risk factors for PTS.

Results: A total of 182 patients with postoperative DVT were enrolled with a mean follow-up time of 3.6 years. The incidence of PTS was 9.3% in patients developing DVT after TJA. Malignancy (P = .033), previous surgery in ipsilateral lower extremity (P = .013), and blood transfusion (P = .022) appeared to be the risk factors for PTS.

Conclusion: We determined the incidence and risk factors for PTS in patients with DVT following TJA. Preventive measures should be used for patients at high risk of PTS.

Keywords: deep vein thrombosis; post-thrombotic syndrome; total hip arthroplasty; total joint arthroplasty; total knee arthroplasty.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / adverse effects*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects*
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postthrombotic Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Postthrombotic Syndrome / etiology
  • Quality of Life
  • Risk Factors
  • Venous Thrombosis / complications*