title: Thrombosis prevention in lower extremity arthroplasty: mobile compression device or pharmacological therapy.
abstract: Venous thromboembolic (VTE) events, either deep vein thromboses (DVT) or pulmonary emboli (PE), are important complications in patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty. Symptomatic VTE rates observed in total joint arthroplasty patients using the mobile compression device with home use capability were non-inferior to rates reported for pharmacological prophylaxis, including warfarin, enoxaparin, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran. Major bleeding in total hip arthroplasty was less using the mobile compression device than using low molecular weight heparin. A cost analysis demonstrated a cost savings based on decreased major bleeding. Use of a mobile compression device with or without aspirin for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty provides a non-inferior risk for developing VTE compared with current pharmacological protocols.
authors.affiliation: Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic La Jolla, CA.
authors.forename: Clifford W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Colwell