Clinical efficacy of mechanical thromboprophylaxis without anticoagulant drugs for elective hip surgery in an Asian population

J Arthroplasty. 2009 Dec;24(8):1254-7. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2009.05.015. Epub 2009 Jul 4.

Abstract

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of mechanical thromboprophylaxis after elective hip surgery, we reviewed 3016 patients who underwent hip surgery at 5 centers. Primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), revision THA, and pelvic or femoral osteotomies were performed in 2648, 298, and 70 patients, respectively. Epidural anesthesia, intraoperative calf bandage, early mobilization, and intermittent pneumatic compression postoperatively with additional use of elastic stockings were the basic regimen for thromboprophylaxis. Postoperatively, no cases of fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) were encountered. One symptomatic PE and 4 symptomatic deep vein thrombosis cases were identified, all of which were successfully treated using heparin and warfarin. By 6 months, no deaths had occurred. We conclude that mechanical thromboprophylaxis without anticoagulant drugs is safe and effective for elective hip surgeries in our patient population.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anesthesia, Epidural
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / adverse effects*
  • Asian People
  • Child
  • Early Ambulation
  • Elective Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Hip Joint / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteotomy / adverse effects*
  • Reoperation / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stockings, Compression
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology
  • Venous Thrombosis / prevention & control*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anticoagulants