Incidences of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism after Total Knee Arthroplasty Using a Mechanical Compression Device with and without Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the incidence of thromboembolic events and complications related to bleeding after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a mechanical compression device alone or in combination with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).


METHODS
A total of 489 TKA patients (776 knees) were retrospectively reviewed for the incidence of thromboembolic events and complications related to bleeding. While 233 patients (354 knees) were treated with a mechanical compressive device without LMWH, 256 patients (422 knees) were treated with the mechanical compressive device along with LMWH.


RESULTS
The incidences of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were 15 of 375 knees (4.0%) and 5 of 375 knees (1.3%), respectively, in the group that used only a mechanical compressive device, and 14 of 401 knees (3.4%) and 5 of 401 knees (1.2%), respectively, in the group that used the mechanical compressive device with LMWH. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.125 and p=0.146, respectively). The postoperative hemovac drainage amount was 635±57 mL in the group with a mechanical compressive device only and 813±84 mL in the group with the device and LMWH; therefore, the amount of drainage was significantly greater in the latter group (p=0.013).


CONCLUSIONS
Mechanical compression alone for prophylaxis against DVT and PE after TKA can be an attractive option in Korean patients.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.
Sin Hyung
SH
Park
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.
Joong Hyeon
JH
Ahn
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.
Yong Bok
YB
Park
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.
Sun Geun
SG
Lee
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.
Soo Jae
SJ
Yim
Arthroplasty; Intermittent pneumatic compression device; Knee; Mechanical; Prophylaxis; Thromboembolism