J Korean Knee Soc.  2010 Dec;22(4):270-277.

Deep Vein Thrombosis after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Correlation between the Incidence and Clinical Risk Factors

• Lee JS
• Kim TW
• Suh JT

Abstract

PURPOSE
We compared and analyzed the correlation between the incidence and clinical risk factors of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One hundred eight patients underwent TKA between January 2008 and January 2009. Thirty four cases were in the high-risk group (having at least one risk factor) and 74 cases were in the low-risk group (not having any risk factors).
RESULTS
Six (17.6%) of 34 high-risk cases and 11 (14.9%) of 74 low-risk cases experienced DVT, and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. But among the risk factors, age and obesity had positive correlation with the incidence of DVT (p<0.05). Among the 17 cases of DVT, 4 patients showed symptoms of DVT and they were treated with anticoagulants.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of DVT after TKA showed no significant differences between the high and low risk groups, and among the 17 cases of DVT, 4 patients showed symptoms of DVT. Therefore, it is desirable to perform definitive diagnostic modalities like CT venography and then to treat with anticoagulants only the patients with DVT symptoms after TKA.

Keyword

Knee joint; Total knee arthroplasty; Deep vein thrombosis; Risk factor; Incidence

MeSH Terms

Anticoagulants
Arthroplasty
Humans
Incidence
Knee
Knee Joint
Obesity
Phlebography
Risk Factors
Venous Thrombosis
Anticoagulants