Portable Compression Device and Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Compared With Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin for Thromboprophylaxis After Total Joint Arthroplasty
Received 18 April 2007; accepted 15 November 2007. published online 03 April 2008.
Abstract
This preliminary prospective study to determine the rate of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) examined 277 patients undergoing total knee or total hip arthroplasty (TKA or THA) who were randomized to use a portable, continuous enhanced circulation therapy (CECT) compression device and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or to receive LMWH alone. Patients were screened for DVT using duplex ultrasound at hospital discharge and followed clinically for 3 months. In TKA, 5 DVTs (6.6%) occurred in the CECT + LMWH group compared with one pulmonary embolism and 14 DVTs (19.5%) in the LMWH group (P = .018). In THA, 1 DVT (1.5%) occurred in the CECT + LMWH group and 2 DVTs (3.4%) occurred in the LMWH group. This preliminary study demonstrated significant reduction in rate of DVT after TKA when the CECT device was combined with LMWH.
†Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California
‡Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California
Reprint requests: Clifford W. Colwell Jr, MD, Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic, 11025 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 140, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Benefits or funds were received in partial or total support of the research material described in this article. These benefits or funds were received from Medical Compression ActiveCare DVT, Medical Compression Systems, Or Akiva, Israel.
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