Acta Orthop Belg
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Clinical Trial
Prevention of thromboembolic disease after non-cemented hip arthroplasty. A multimodal approach.
Thromboembolism following total hip arthroplasty is a common complication that may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Despite this, optimal prophylactic regimen is controversial. We investigated the efficacy of a comprehensive approach encompassing the use of aspirin, intermittent compression devices ('foot pumps'), and early mobilization in a cohort of 200 consecutive patients after non-cemented total hip replacements. ⋯ Venous thromboembolic disease after hip replacement surgery is largely associated with postoperative immobilization and venous stasis. It is the authors' opinion that a prevention strategy should include mechanical as well as pharmacological measures. The concomitant use of epidural anesthesia, "foot pumps", aspirin and early full weight bearing ambulation may be effective in further reducing the incidence of DVT after surgery.