Effect of self-calf massage on the prevention of deep vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a severe complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Performing self-calf massage may decrease the incidence of DVT. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether self-calf massage is effective for preventing DVT after TKA. Method: In all, 165 patients participated in the present study. Patients were randomized to one of two groups: the self-calf massage group or the control group. In the control group, patients started regular physical therapy. In the self-calf massage group, in addition to regular physical therapy, patients were instructed to massage their calf muscles 30 times from the distal to proximal side. This procedure was repeated three times and was completed in 2 mins during the 2 days following TKA. All patients were evaluated for DVT on postoperative day 3 using lower limb vein ultrasonography. Results: The incidence of DVT was significantly lower in the self-calf massage group than in the control group. Self-calf massage was associated with a lower incidence of DVT, whereas age and female sex were risk factors for DVT. Conclusion: This study showed that the self-calf massage may be beneficial for the prevention of DVT after TKA.