[Intermittent compression devices for swelling reduction and thrombosis prophylaxis--a pilot study after total hip replacement. Is the 2 hour daily minimum application sufficient?].
BACKGROUND
The use of intermittent compression devices for thrombosis prophylaxis and the reduction of postoperative swelling are widely accepted. The recommended minimum application of 2 h daily has never been statistically verified. Without evidence based data, the benefit of this costly equipment cannot be maximized.


METHODS
A randomized clinical trial on 41 patients after total hip replacement was performed. The A-V Impulse System was applied for 2 h a day during the first 5 postoperative days to observe whether this time was sufficiently effective.


RESULTS
In the control group, two deep vein thromboses occurred postoperatively, but there were none in the treatment group. Even though two patients from the treatment group had to be excluded from the study because of severe pain, all other parameters including visual analogue pain scale results and limb circumferences were comparable in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary results suggest that pump systems can prevent deep venous thrombosis after hip surgery even when applied for only short intervals over a short period of time. However, large scale confirmatory studies are needed.
Ivanic
G M
GM
Department für Erkrankungen der Wirbelsäule und Wirbelsäulenchirurgie, Allgemeines und Orthopädisches LKH, 8852 Stolzalpe, Osterreich. gerd.ivanic@lkh-stolzalpe.at
Moser
I
I
Homann
N C
NC
Pietsch
M
M
Kriechhammer
P
P
Hennerbichler
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D048228:Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography