2016 Volume 20 Issue 1 Pages 93-97
This study aimed to investigate the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total joint arthroplasty of the lower limbs. The utility of screening tests, the risk factors for VTE, and the correlation between the thrombosis-affected side and operated side were also assessed.
This retrospective study included 107 patients admitted to our hospital for total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. We compared the intra- and postoperative factors of patients with and without VTE.
VTE was diagnosed in 15 of 107 patients. The postoperative D-dimer level was elevated in all cases independent of the occurrence of VTE, and its sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of VTE were low. On the other hand, venous ultrasonography of the lower limbs was useful for the early diagnosis of VTE resulted in no adverse events. No risk factors were identified and there was no correlation between the thrombosis-affected side and operated side.
Our results suggest that venous ultrasonography of the lower limbs be performed in all cases after total joint arthroplasty of the lower limbs. Use of D-dimer level alone to diagnose VTE could lead to misdiagnosis.
