人工关节置换术后并发深静脉血栓形成的危险因素评估

[目的]探讨全髋和全膝关节置换术后下肢深静脉血栓(deep venous thrombosis,DVT)形成的相关危险因素。[方法]选取2010年1月~2014年12月在本院行人工髋膝关节置换术的患者536例进行DVT的回顾性分析。选择性别、年龄、体重指数、凝血指标、吸烟史、麻醉方式、手术时长、合并慢性病史等22项与人工关节置换术后DVT形成的可能相关因素进行统计分析。[结果]216例人工膝关节置换术后发生DVT 23例,320例人工髋关节置换术患者术后发生DVT 22例,进行单因素分析表明:年龄、性别、体重指数、D-D、心肌梗死病史、深静脉血栓史是关节置换术后DVT发生的危险因素(P0.05),多因素logistic回归分析表明:年龄、深静脉血栓史使术后发生DVT的风险分别增加到1.058、6.283。[结论]年龄、性别、体重指数、D-D、心肌梗死病史、深静脉血栓史等的患者发生DVT的风险较高。尤其是高龄、深静脉血栓史与术后DVT发生密切相关,需要引起临床医生的重视。     

彩超检测在预防人工关节置换术后下肢深静脉血栓形成的应用

目的 探讨彩色多普勒超声监测抗凝及早期锻炼预防人工关节置换术后下肢深静脉血栓形成(DVT)的应用价值.方法 对接受人工髋、膝关节置换术患者199例予术前、术后进行双下肢深静脉彩色多普勒超声检测,为术后抗凝及早期锻炼提供依据,并对检出下肢深静脉血栓阳性患者及时进行溶栓等处理,追踪观察治疗效果.结果 149例接受全髋关节置...     

全髋关节置换术后深静脉血栓形成

目的：探讨全髋关节置换术后下肢深静脉血栓形成（DVT）的发生情况及预防治疗措施。方法：对220例（244髋）全髋关节置换患者围手术期皮下注射低分子肝素来预防治疗下肢深静脉血栓形成。术后第7天行彩色多普勒超声检查。结果：58例发生下肢深静脉血栓，其中远端血栓33例，近端血栓14例，全静脉血栓11例，DVT发生率26．4％，未发生1例肺栓塞。结论：围手术期低分子肝素应用可降低全髋关节置换术后DVT发生率，且安全可靠。     

髋膝关节置换术围手术期对深静脉血栓的预防及治疗

目的探讨减少髋、膝关节置换术后深静脉血栓(DVT)并发症。方法对50例髋关节疾患与4例骨性膝关节炎行关节置换术,平均年龄(70·3±25·2)岁,其中30例合并高血压、糖尿病、慢性支气管炎、冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病。术前控制病情并加强各项护理,术后严密观察生命体征。对可疑高凝状态者,动态观察凝血酶原和活化部分凝血活酶时间,常规使用抗凝药及扩容药,逐步进行肢体功能锻炼,以防治凝血及改善微循环状态。结果52例未发生DVT(96·3%),2例出现轻度DVT(3·7%)。结论围手术期的积极预防和治疗可明显降低全髋及全膝关节置换术后DVT的发生率。     

全髋关节置换术后深静脉血栓栓塞症的发生与改良APACHEⅡ评分相关性研究

[目的]探讨全髋关节置换术后深静脉血栓栓塞症(DVT)的发生与改良APACHEⅡ评分的相关性.[方法]选择2009年1月～2010年1月解放军401医院骨科接受初次人工全髋关节置换术的患者50例(52髋),对入选患者定期(术后24h、术后3d及术后10d)及临床出现可疑DVT症状时随时进行双下肢静脉彩色多普勒超声检查,将患者按照多普勒超声检查结果分为DVT组(A组)及无DVT组(B组).同时对两组患者进行改良APACHEⅡ评分,记录各组的改良APACHEⅡ评分,并对两组数据进行统计学分析.[结果]50例患者中19例术后超声检查发现下肢DVT,其中近端血栓12例,远端血栓7例,发生肢体均为术侧,术后DVT发生率为38％;DVT组(A组)改良APACHEⅡ评分为(18.11±3.87)分,无DVT组(B组)APACHEⅡ评分为(13.39±4.29)分,两组改良A-PACHEⅡ评分比较有统计学意义(P＜0.05).[结论]改良APACHEⅡ评分与全髋关节置换后早期DVT的发生有相关性,改良APACHEⅡ评分为全髋关节置换术后DVT的预测提供了新思路.     

人工全髋关节置换术后下肢深静脉血栓形成的危险因素分析

[目的]分析人工全髋关节置换术后下肢深静脉血栓形成的临床危险因素.[方法]纳入2007年2～7月48名患者51例全髋置换手术病例,术前和术后第7 d进行双下肢血管彩超检查,分析15项临床因素与术后下肢深静脉血栓(DVT)的发生有无相关性.[结果]经双下肢血管彩超检查,51例手术有17例发现DVT,全部为小腿肌间静脉血栓,DVT发生率33.3%;DVT患者中无症状者占47.1%(8/17);多因素Logistic回归分析表明:年龄≥65岁,输血总量大和血清甘油三脂水平(TG)高是全髋关节置换术后DVT发生的重要危险因素,其OR(Odd Ratio)值分别为:116.597、1.01和37.249(P＜0.05).[结论]女性,年龄大,肥胖,血清甘油三脂和胆固醇升高,"O"型血、输血总量大,患糖尿病和高血压的患者发生DVT的风险高(relative risk,RR＞1);年龄≥65岁、输血总量大和血清甘油三脂水平高是人工全髋关节置换术后并发DVT的危险因素;术后应控制输血量,需要大量输血者采取少量多次输血;下肢肌间静脉血栓的发生应该引起临床医师和B超医师的注意.     

中西药预防人工髋关节术后深静脉血栓形成的临床对照观察

[目的]探讨中药血栓通预防全髋关节置换术后并发深静脉血栓形成的效果及用药安全性.[方法]选择行全髋关节置换术的符合研究标准的112例患者,随机分为中药预防组58例,西药预防组54例.两组在采用相同的基本预防措施和机械预防措施的基础上,分别采用中药血栓通注射液和西药低分子肝素钠针剂对手术后可能发生的深静脉血栓(DVT)进行预防.比较两组术后DVT发生率,术前及术后7d和14d后活化部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)、血浆凝血酶原时间(PT)、国际标准化比值(INR)、血小板计数(PLT)等凝血指标及术中出血量、术后伤口引流量等安全性指标变化的差异.[结果]中药预防组发生DVT16例,DVT发生率27.58％;西药预防组发生DVT13例,DVT发生率24.07％;经统计学检验,差异无统计学意义.两组间术前APTT比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);两组间术后7、14d的APTT比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).两组间PT术前、术后7、14d比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组间INR术前、术后7、14d比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组间PLT术前及术后7、14d比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组术前术后凝血指标的实际数值均在正常范围之内.两组间术中出血量、术后伤口引流量等安全性指标比较,无显著性差异.[结论]单独应用中药血栓通防治髋关节置换术后DVT可获得与西药低分子肝素钠近似的疗效和安全性.     

整体护理在髋关节置换手术患者中预防下肢深静脉血栓形成的效果分析

目的总结整体护理在预防髋关节置换手术患者下肢深静脉血栓形成(DVT)的效果。方法对62例实施髋关节置换术患者围术期间实施术前评估、预防DVT相关知识宣教,术中密切配合、术后康复指导等整体护理措施。观察患者下肢深静脉血栓等并发症发生情况。结果 62例患者均顺利完成手术。术后仅发生1例(1.61%)下肢DVT,其余患者经多普勒超声检查证实未见DVT。未出现肺栓塞等其他并发症。结论在髋关节置换手术患者围术期实施整体护理,可降低DVT发生率,促进术后康复进程。     

人工髋膝关节置换术后症状性静脉血栓栓塞性疾病的危险因素分析

[目的]分析人工髋、膝关节置换术后症状性静脉血栓栓塞性疾病(venous thromboembolism,VTE)发生的危险因素。[方法]2013年5月~2013年12月行人工髋、膝关节置换术患者602例,这些患者在术后出现下肢疼痛、肿胀、周径发生改变、Homans征阳性时行双下肢深静脉彩超(ultrasonography,USG)检查是否发生下肢深静脉血栓(deep vein thrombosis,DVT),同时记录入组患者肺栓塞(pulmonary embolism,PE)事件的发生,分析患者年龄、性别、BMI、手术类型、单双侧、糖尿病史、术前血糖、术前胆固醇、术前甘油三酯、术前D-dimer等与症状性VTE发生风险的相关性。[结果]人工髋、膝关节置换术后共发生症状性VTE 19例(3.16%),其中远端DVT 18例(3.00%),近端DVT 4例(0.66%),PE 2例(0.33%)。症状性VTE患者的平均年龄为(66.74±9.04)岁,显著高于其余患者人群(OR=1.065;95%CI=1.001~1.133;P=0.047)。[结论]症状性VTE是人工髋、膝关节置换术后不容忽视的问题,尽管进行常规的预防,其发生率仍不低。年龄是人工髋、膝关节置换术后发生症状性VTE的危险因素。对于年龄大的患者,应进行及时有效的VTE预防措施。     

强直性脊柱炎双侧髋膝关节骨性强直的功能重建

[目的]探讨双侧髋、膝关节骨性强直的强直性脊柱炎患者一次住院治疗,行全部4个关节置换的可行性以及手术方法的设计和术后的康复.[方法]对3例同时发生双侧髋、膝关节骨性强直的强直性脊柱炎患者一次住院,分两次手术行下肢4个大关节的人工关节置换术,其中1例,第1次手术行左侧髋关节置换,第2次手术行右侧髋关节及双侧膝关节置换术;另2例两次手术分别行同侧髋、膝关节置换术.病人麻醉清醒后即开始进行下肢肌肉主动收缩,术后3 d将下肢置于CPM机进行髋、膝关节屈伸练习,术后2周下床学习行走,出院前达到在支具扶助下行走100步.[结果]术后6个月随访时,髋关节活动范围为105°～145°,平均135°,膝关节活动范围为45°～60°,平均54°;髋关节功能评分采用Harris评分系统平均83分,均为良,膝关节功能评分采用1989年美国膝关节外科协会评分系统第1例左侧膝关节74/75分,为良,其余5个膝关节均为优.[结论]双侧髋、膝关节骨性强直的强直性脊柱炎患者一次住院治疗、行全部4个关节置换不仅可以缩短治疗周期,减轻病人痛苦和经济负担,同时便于术中操作和术后康复,其中以单次手术行同侧髋膝关节置换效果更佳.     

血浆D-二聚体和纤维蛋白原对急性下肢深静脉血栓形成的诊断价值

 目的 评估血浆D-二聚体(D-dimer,D-D)和纤维蛋白原(fibrinogen,Fg)及其二者比值(D/F值)在人工关节置换术后急性下肢深静脉血栓形成(deep vein thrombosis,DVT)中的诊断价值。方法 2009年8月至2011年12月接受全髋或全膝关节置换术后第3至5天行下肢深静脉造影检查的患者273例,根据造影检查结果将患者分为DVT组66例(男15例、女51例,中位年龄66岁)和非DVT组207例(男70例、女137例,中位年龄63岁)。比较两组患者术前及术后第3至5天血浆D-D值(免疫比浊法检测)、血浆Fg值(凝固法检测)及D/F值的差异,并对术后血浆D-D和D/F值进行受试者工作特征(receiver operating characteristic,ROC)曲线分析。结果 术前血浆D-D值及Fg值比较,两组差异无统计学意义;术后两组血浆Fg值的差异无统计学意义,而血浆D-D值及D/F值的差异有统计学意义,DVT组高于非DVT组。术后血浆D-D和D/F值诊断DVT的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.688和0.684,差异无统计学意义。结论 血浆Fg对人工关节置换术后急性DVT没有诊断作用;而血浆D-D值和D/F值对筛查诊断有一定价值,但准确性较低。     

多模式预防措施对老年关节置换术后静脉血栓栓塞症发生及转归的影响

目的分析采用多模式血栓预防措施后,老年初次髋、膝关节置换术后静脉血栓栓塞症（VTE）的发生和转归情况。 方法回顾性收集2015年1月至2017年6月行初次单侧髋、膝关节置换的老年患者375例（年龄≥60岁）,所有患者均接受抗凝药物、足底小腿静脉气压泵、加强踝泵和早期下地等康复预防以及减少围手术期脱水等多模式血栓预防措施,术后采用彩色多普勒超声检查双侧下肢深静脉血栓（DVT）的发生情况,对有症状患者行肺动脉CT造影排查肺动脉栓塞（PE）。 结果共349名患者获完整随访,随访率92.5%。随访期间无症状性PE,DVT共38例,总发生率为10.9%,均为远端DVT。手术同侧DVT 38例,双侧3例。症状性DVT共27例（27/38,71.1%）,无症状性DVT 11例（11/38,29.0%）。单纯腓肠肌间静脉血栓29例,单条小腿静脉血栓3例,混合静脉血栓6例。接受不同手术方式的患者DVT发生率差别有统计学意义（χ²=0.000,P<0.001）,其中接受全膝关节置换手术患者DVT的发生率为16.3%,显著高于单髁关节置换手术组的4.7%。单纯腓肠肌间静脉血栓未予药物治疗,其他DVT口服利伐沙班抗凝治疗4 w。术后8 w,有26例（26/38,68.4%）血栓完全消融,12例（12/38,31.6%）血栓未完全消融,但所有DVT相关临床表现均消失,无残留血栓后遗症,且无血栓进展或新发PE。 结论采取多模式预防措施后,老年关节置换术后VTE发生率低,且均为远端DVT,经观察或短程抗凝治疗,症状消失并无后遗症。     

Prevention of VTE Following total hip and knee arthroplasty in Hemophilia patients

The often debilitating condition of hemophilic arthropathy is treated with elective total joint arthroplasty. Little has been published addressing the role of thromboembolic prophylaxis in the hemophilic patient population following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons have set guidelines for thromboembolic prophylaxis in the general population, no such standard of care is in place for hemophilic patients. While the risk of thrombosis in hemophilic patients following THA and TKA is thought to be lower, cases have been reported of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hemophilic patients.     

Perioperative asymptomatic venous thrombosis: role of duplex scanning versus venography

We compared combined B-mode/Doppler (duplex ultrasonic scanning and venography in routine preoperative and postoperative screening for major proximal deep vein thrombosis in 78 patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty. Of 309 extremity examinations, duplex scanning had an overall sensitivity of 85.7% (12/14) and a specificity of 97.3% (287/295). The preoperative prevalence and postoperative incidence of major deep vein thrombosis were 2.5% and 14.1% of patients, respectively, despite intensive mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis. In addition, venography documented a preoperative prevalence and postoperative incidence of isolated calf deep vein thrombosis in 2.5% and 16.7% of patients, respectively. Whereas such disease extended proximally even in the absence of anticoagulation in only 18% of patients studied by serial duplex scans, calf deep vein thrombosis accounted for the only two instances of pulmonary embolism in this study. There were no deaths related to pulmonary embolism. This study suggests that duplex scanning is useful in screening for perioperative deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty, which carries a significant risk of venous thromboembolism despite routine prophylaxis.     

Combined (mechanical and pharmacological) modalities for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in joint replacement surgery

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of intermittent mechanical compression combined with pharmacological thromboprophylaxis, against either mechanical compression or pharmacological prophylaxis in preventing deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement. A total of six randomised controlled trials, evaluating a total of 1399 patients, were identified. In knee arthroplasty, the rate of DVT was reduced from 18.7% with anticoagulation alone to 3.7% with combined modalities (risk ratio (RR) 0.27, p = 0.03; number needed to treat: seven). There was moderate, albeit non-significant, heterogeneity (I(2) = 42%). In hip replacement, there was a non-significant reduction in DVT from 8.7% with mechanical compression alone to 7.2% with additional pharmacological prophylaxis (RR 0.84) and a significant reduction in DVT from 9.7% with anticoagulation alone to 0.9% with additional mechanical compression (RR 0.17, p < 0.001; number needed to treat: 12), with no heterogeneity (I(2) = 0%). The included studies had insufficient power to demonstrate an effect on pulmonary embolism. We conclude that the addition of intermittent mechanical leg compression augments the efficacy of anticoagulation in preventing DVT in patients undergoing both knee and hip replacement. Further research on the role of combined modalities in thromboprophylaxis in joint replacement and in other high-risk situations, such as fracture of the hip, is warranted.     

The necessity of pharmacological prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism in major joint arthroplasty

Purpose

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a recognised post-operative complication of major lower limb joint arthroplasty. Current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines suggest the use of both mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis following hip and knee replacement. Since the introduction of enhanced recovery programmes following hip and knee arthroplasty the requirement for routine pharmacological VTE prophylaxis has been questioned. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of pharmacological prophylaxis against symptomatic VTE in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty under an enhanced recovery programme.

Methods

Symptomatic VTE incidence was audited in 1,100 patients undergoing primary or revision total hip or knee arthroplasty at the same hospital with only mechanical prophylaxis from 2007 to 2009. Following addition of chemical prophylaxis (enoxaparin) symptomatic VTE incidence in 522 patients undergoing primary or revision total hip or knee arthroplasty from 2011 to 2012 was re-audited.

Results

In the mechanical prophylaxis group incidence of DVT was 0.73 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.37–1.43 %] and incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) 0.91 % (95 % CI 0.49–1.67 %). Following addition of pharmacological prophylaxis incidence of DVT was 0.57 % (95 % CI 0.20–1.68 %) and incidence of PE 1.15 % (95 % CI 0.53–2.48 %).

Conclusions

We found no statistically significant difference in symptomatic VTE incidence following the addition of enoxaparin. We question whether routine pharmacological prophylaxis still has a role following total hip and knee arthroplasty. Peri-operative optimisation, including post-operative analgesia and mobility, with current enhanced recovery programmes may be sufficient. As anticoagulants carry increased risk of post-operative bleeding and wound ooze, in addition to significant cost implications, their role remains controversial.     

单侧与双侧使用间歇充气加压在预防髋膝置换术后DVT中的效果比较

目的探讨间歇充气加压（IPC）非手术侧使用,在髋膝关节置换术后下肢深静脉血栓（DVT）预防中的效果和安全性。 方法前瞻性收集2017年4月至2017年9月烟台市烟台山医院拟行髋、膝关节置换术且符合纳入及排除标准的患者172例,采用随机数字表法将患者随机分为试验组和对照组,所有患者均于麻醉后手术开始前开始行非术侧IPC治疗,术后给予利伐沙班抗凝预防DVT,试验组术后继续行持续性非术侧IPC预防DVT,共85例;对照组术后行持续性双侧IPC预防DVT,共87例。术后3 d后改为1 h,2次/日。术后3 d、7~10 d行双下肢超声检查监测DVT发生情况。 结果患者术后常规继续住院7~10 d,故术后患者无脱落,随访率100%。随访时间为7~10 d,平均（8.3±1.3）d,试验组术后3 d发生血栓11例,占12.9%,均为肌间静脉血栓;对照组术后3 d发生血栓8例,占9.2%,1例腘静脉血栓,2例胫腓静脉血栓,余为肌间静脉血栓;术后3 d两组膝关节置换患者、髋关节置换患者及总的DVT发生率均无统计学差异。术后7~10 d试验组新增血栓5例,占6.8%,对照组新增血栓4例,占比5.1%,两组术后7~10 d膝置换患者、髋置换患者及总DVT发生率均无统计学差异。 结论IPC非手术侧使用在预防髋膝置换术后下肢DVT发生中可达到与IPC双侧同时使用相同的预防效果,安全性更高。     

Preoperative risk factors for deep vein thrombosis in knee osteoarthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundTo analyze the risk factors for preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsIn this retrospective study, a total of 584 knee OA patients undergoing TKA were enrolled. General information, medical records and preoperative laboratory examination results of the patients were collected. According to the results of Doppler ultrasonography for the lower extremities, the patients were divided into DVT group and non-DVT group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in knee OA patients undergoing TKA.ResultsThe incidence of DVT before TKA was 6.85% (40 cases). The increase of ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), platelet crit, IL-6 (Interleukin-6), and PCT (Procalcitonin) were associated with the development of DVT before TKA. Factors as coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes mellitus (DM), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), NLR (ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes), lower limb venous blood stasis, the time from onset to admission, RBC, PLT were identified by multivariate logistic regression to be the independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in knee OA patients undergoing TKA.ConclusionsDM, CKD, CHD, increased in ESR, IL-6 and PCT, blood stasis of the lower extremities, increased in PLT, platelet crit and the time from onset to admission, decreased in RBC, were high risk factors for preoperative DVT in knee OA patients undergoing TKA.     

人工关节置换术与深静脉血栓形成

人工髋关节和膝关节置换术后的深静脉血栓形成(DVT)始发于术中,肺栓塞和DVT有一定的发病率和死亡率,因此,对下肢大关节置换手术应采取预防措施；即便如此,择期关节置换手术的血栓栓塞并发症仍有很高的风险。早期DVT监测以及系统性抗凝预防DVT非常重要,一些高危患者需要延长预防治疗。术后用超声常规监测DVT可能有一定的临床意义。早期联合低分子肝素和机械方式可能比单一方法有效。但是,对一些抗凝药物治疗的效果和安全性仍有争议,血肿形成的发生率和程度应该引起注意。DVT预防治疗的安全性和性价比仍有很多不确定性,所以,按循证医学的观点,要进行多中心的前瞻随机对照研究才能得出有价值的结论。     

Post-thrombotic syndrome after total hip or knee arthroplasty: incidence in patients with asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis

PURPOSE: To measure the risk of developing signs of post-thrombotic syndrome 15 to 24 months after total hip or knee arthroplasty in patients with asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT). METHODS: A total of 85 total knee arthroplasty patients and 47 total hip arthroplasty patients were postoperatively screened for asymptomatic DVT using colour duplex ultrasound. RESULTS: The rate of asymptomatic DVT was 37.6% (n = 32) in knee patients and 34.0% (n = 16) in hip patients. All 32 DVT cases in the knee group had thrombi located below the knee, whereas 6 of the 16 DVT cases in the hip group had thrombi located above the knee, the remaining 10 were below the knee. Patients with proximal thrombi were treated with warfarin for 3 months, whereas patients with distal DVT received 300 mg aspirin daily for the same period. All DVT cases were monitored for up to 12 weeks using repeated colour duplex scans. Signs of thrombus resolution were present at around 6 weeks (range, 4-12 weeks). Clot propagation was observed in 3 cases. In a mean of postoperative 18 months (range, 15-24 months), 28 of the 32 knee patients with asymptomatic DVT were available for follow-up: 11 had transient calf and ankle swelling, 6 had persistent oedema, and the remaining 11 were symptom free. 14 of the 16 hip patients with asymptomatic DVT were available for follow-up: 6 had transient calf and ankle swelling, 4 had persistent oedema, and 4 remained symptom free. 17 patients reported ongoing problems and were re-examined. Signs of mild-to-moderate post-thrombotic syndrome were recorded in 4 knee patients and 3 hip patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with above-knee DVT were much more likely to have post-thrombotic syndrome. Despite thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin, asymptomatic DVT is common after total joint arthroplasty and is responsible for the development of post-thrombotic venous insufficiency and post-thrombotic syndrome in a considerable proportion of patients. Once symptomatic or asymptomatic DVT is established, treatment appears incapable of preventing the occurrence of post-thrombotic syndrome, especially in cases of above-knee DVT. Efforts should hence concentrate on combating DVT propagation and improving DVT prevention.