Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in hip fractures: a comparison of the arteriovenous impulse system and aspirin.
BACKGROUND
A prospective, randomized controlled trial was used to compare the efficacy of the arteriovenous (AV) impulse system and aspirin in reducing venous thrombosis after fracture to the femoral neck.


METHODS
A total of 143 patients underwent hemiarthroplasty, after which 70 patients were treated with the AV pump and a second group of 73 patients were commenced on 325 mg of aspirin. Duplex ultrasound was used to assess both proximal and distal venous thrombi on days 7 to 10. Calf and thigh circumferences were also measured.


RESULTS
Thrombi developed in seven of the patients treated with aspirin and in four patients treated with the AV pump. No statistically significant difference could be established (p = 0.109). There was a significant reduction in both calf (p = 0.003) and thigh (p = 0.002) swelling in the group treated with the AV pump. Neither treatment group was a significant predictor of a poorer outcome by using logistical regression analysis (p = 0.258).


CONCLUSIONS
Both aspirin and the AV pump are effective in reducing thromboembolic events after hemiarthroplasty of the hip.
Kennedy
J G
JG
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, University College of Dublin, Ireland.
Soffe
K E
KE
Rogers
B W
BW
Kumar
S
S
Griffen
D R
DR
Dallo Vedova
P A
PA
Sullivan
R J
RJ
Sheehan
L J
LJ
D000368:Aged; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002309:Cardiology / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin