[Prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis in lower limb after operation by intermittent pneumatic compression].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression on prevention of deep venous thrombosis after operation of lower limbs.


METHODS
From Oct. 1997 to Aug. 1998, forty cases were received Doppler examination preoperatively, which showed no deep venous thrombosis in all the lower limbs of 40 cases. Among them, 24 cases were received total hip arthroplasties, 4 cases were received total knee arthroplasties and 12 cases were received dynamic hip screw. Postoperatively, every case were continuously received intermittent pneumatic compression for 14 to 21 days (2 hours, qid), and venography were performed on the operated lower limb on the 7th day after operation to check the presence of deep venous thrombosis.


RESULTS
Among the 40 cases, there were 4 cases of deep venous thrombosis without symptom of pulmonary embolism, the incidence rate was 10%.


CONCLUSIONS
Intermittent pneumatic compression can significantly reduce the incidence rate of deep venous thrombosis after the operation of the lower limbs.
Lu
W J
WJ
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China 510120.
Yu
N S
NS
Lin
Z X
ZX
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005676:Gravity Suits; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*