[Prevention of deep vein thrombosis in total knee replacement--current status of therapy in orthopedie and trauma departments in Germany].
BACKGROUND
Symptomatic deep vein thrombosis is a serious complication after total knee arthroplasty, with a risk of about 4-5% despite prevention with herparin. Aim of the current study was to find out about the actual status of thrombosis prophylaxis in Germany after total knee replacement.


METHODS
In a countrywide survey 470 German trauma and orthopaedic surgery departments were asked about their prophylactic procedures addressing deep vein thrombosis after total knee replacement.


RESULTS
98% perform prevention of thrombosis with low-molecular-weight heparin, 2% use unfractioned heparin. Low-molecular-weight heparin is applicated in standard doses in 48% and in 44% according to patient's weight. In 82% the prophylaxis is begun the night before surgery. The therapy is carried out for 4.7 weeks in mean. 96% use graduated compressions stocking as additional therapeutic option.


CONCLUSIONS
Our survey shows that most of the surgeons perform prevention of deep vein thrombosis according to the official guidelines.
Lüring
C
C
Orthopädische Klinik, Universität Regensburg. c_luering@yahoo.de
Oczipka
F
F
Bäthis
H
H
Grifka
J
J
Tingart
M
M
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011292:Premedication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D053828:Stockings, Compression / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006493:Heparin