The role of surveillance duplex scanning in preventing venous thromboembolism in trauma patients

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine the role of duplex scanning in preventing pulmonary embolism (PE), the correlation of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk score with the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and patients who may benefit from surveillance duplex scanning. METHODS: Age, sex, Injury Severity Score (ISS), VTE score, length of stay, diagnoses, and bleeding risk were recorded from the trauma registry in patients who had a duplex scan from 1995 to 2000. RESULTS: There were 1,513 duplex scans obtained (10,141 trauma admissions), 253 (2.5%) cases of DVT (52% above-knee, 8% upper extremity), and 30 cases of PE (0.3%). Only 5 of 21 duplex scans were positive in PE patients. DVT patients were older (52.9 vs. 46.7 years), with higher ISS (24.0 vs. 20.8) than patients without DVT. Regression analysis showed poor correlation between VTE score and DVT incidence (r2 = 0.27). Univariate analysis identified age, ISS, and VTE score as risk predictors for DVT. CONCLUSION: Adherence to an evidence-based VTE prophylaxis protocol is more important than surveillance duplex scanning in preventing VTE in trauma patients.     

The incidence of thromboembolism in the surgical intensive care unit

The clinical diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is unreliable. Studies have been performed examining the utility of frequent duplex scans. However, these studies included patients outside of the intensive care unit. The incidence of venous thromboembolism and the effect of a less intense surveillance protocol was prospectively examined at a level-1 urban trauma center for a 6 month period. During the study period there were 726 admission to the surgical intensive care unit. Sequential compression devices (SCDs) were used for DVT prophylaxis in 93 per cent of the admissions. A total of 114 duplex scans were ordered: 42 per cent for surveillance and the rest for evaluation of a clinical indication. Twelve DVTs were discovered (11% overall DVT rate). No patient on subcutaneous heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin developed a DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE). Four patients suffered a PE; however, none were found to have a lower extremity DVT on duplex ultrasound and all received SCD prophylaxis. Overall, proper use of DVT prophylaxis for intensive care unit days 1-14 was 77 per cent. The incidence of venous thromboembolism in a group of patients at overall high risk was low. A program of DVT surveillance with duplex ultrasound was not cost-effective.     

Asymptomatic Deep Venous Thrombosis After Elective Hip Surgery Could Be Allowed to Remain in Place Without Thromboprophylaxis After a Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

BackgroundIt is not clear how to treat asymptomatic deep venous thromboses (DVTs) following elective hip arthroplasty because the natural course of DVTs is unclear. It is therefore valuable to understand the natural course of DVTs and their relation to thromboprophylactic methods.MethodsWe followed 742 consecutive patients who underwent elective hip arthroplasty followed by mechanical or chemical prophylaxis of a DVT. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative duplex ultrasonography of both limbs. Patients who developed postoperative DVT in the popliteal or calf vein were followed without thromboprophylaxis. DVT-positive patients were prospectively followed up with duplex ultrasonography at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.ResultsIncidences of preoperative and postoperative DVTs were 3.9% and 33.0%, respectively. Nonfatal pulmonary embolism (PE) occurred in 1 patient after negative echography. All DVTs that developed in the calf vein postoperatively and without anticoagulation remained benign, and 93% of the DVTs ultimately disappeared.ConclusionThese results confirmed that the natural course of asymptomatic distal DVTs is benign, with no risk of leading to PE. Thus, distal DVTs could be allowed to remain untreated without chemical prophylaxis to prevent PE in Asian populations.     

Prospective screening for postoperative deep venous thrombosis in patients undergoing infrainguinal revascularization

PURPOSE: The incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass graft procedures has not been well documented, and the need for routine prophylaxis remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the risk of postoperative DVT complicating infrainguinal revascularization. METHODS: Seventy-four patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass graft procedures during a 12-month period were prospectively screened for DVT. Bilateral lower extremity venous duplex scan imaging was performed preoperatively and within 1 week and 6 weeks, postoperatively. Routine DVT prophylaxis was not used, with anticoagulation reserved for specific indications. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients screened, three patients (4.1%) had DVT identified on preoperative venous duplex scan imaging and were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 71 patients enrolled, only two patients (2.8%) had postoperative DVT. Postoperative DVT was ipsilateral to the bypass graft extremity in both patients, with involvement of the peroneal vein in one patient and the femoral vein in the other. Although routine prophylaxis was not used, 18 of these patients (25%) were anticoagulated for other indications, with DVT occurring in one patient (5.6%). Of the remaining 53 patients who did not receive postoperative anticoagulation, only one patient (1.8%) had DVT. CONCLUSIONS: According to this prospective study, the risk of postoperative DVT in patients undergoing infrainguinal revascularization is low. Routine prophylaxis is not recommended, with postoperative anticoagulation reserved for specific indications.     

Proximal Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolus Following Total Joint Arthroplasty

It has been proposed that prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) will lead to a reduction in pulmonary embolism (PE). This retrospective comparative study examines the association between symptomatic proximal DVT (occurring at or proximal to the popliteal fossa) and PE in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients. We evaluated 1031 patients with DVT symptoms and 428 with PE symptoms. A total of 227 patients were evaluated for both. No statistically significant association found between developing PE and DVT within 90 days after TJA (P = 0.94). Our findings raise into question the mechanical propagation theory. Formation of DVT and PE may be independent events in patients undergoing TJA. Evaluating the efficacy of thromboprophylaxis using DVT as end point may not reflect its efficacy for prevention of PE.     

Efficacy of pneumatic compression stocking prophylaxis in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism following 139 lumbar laminectomies with instrumented fusions

OBJECTIVE: Low-dose heparin (LDH) regimens reduce the frequency of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in spinal surgery but pose a risk of postoperative hemorrhage threatening neurologic function. Pneumatic compression stocking (CS) could provide an alternative means of mechanical prophylaxis alone against DVT and PE and would possibly avoid its hemorrhagic complications. METHODS: The efficacy of CS alone in preventing DVT and PE was evaluated in 139 patients undergoing multilevel lumbar laminectomies (average 3.8 levels) with instrumented fusions (average 1.4 levels). All patients received CS stocking prophylaxis intraoperatively and throughout the average 5-day postoperative course including following ambulation. Doppler screening for DVT was routinely performed 2 days postoperatively. Subsequent Doppler studies or computed tomography angiograms were selectively performed in symptomatic patients with potential DVT/PE. RESULTS: Four (2.8%) patients developed DVT 2-6 days postoperatively and required inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. One of the four had a positive routine screening Doppler study performed the second postoperative day. Two developed DVT the fourth postoperative day. The fourth patient developed DVT 6 days postoperatively but 3 weeks later embolized around the IVC filter. This patient, the only one to develop a PE, tested positive for Factor V Leiden mutation (hypercoagulable syndrome) and remains on long-term warfarin. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumatic compression stocking prophylaxis effectively reduced the incidence of DVT (2.8%) and PE (0.7%) in 139 patients undergoing multilevel lumbar laminectomies with instrumented fusions. These rates compared favorably with those reported in spinal series employing LDH prophylaxis.     

Duplex scanning versus venography as a screening examination in total hip arthroplasty patients

Combined B-mode/Doppler (duplex) scanning and venography were compared in routine perioperative screening for proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 158 total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. Preoperative scans were performed in the first 60 patients; the low preoperative prevalence of 2% for proximal DVT was thought not to warrant routine preoperative scanning. Postoperatively, duplex scanning had a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 98%, and an accuracy of 97% when venography was considered as the gold standard. The postoperative incidence of proximal DVT was 12% in this group of THA patients treated with mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis. Including calf vein thrombosis, 30% had DVT postoperatively. This study demonstrates the efficacy of duplex scanning for diagnosing proximal DVT and describes an effective noninvasive method of screening THA patients for the presence of proximal DVT.     

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。     

Deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis is not indicated for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Recent publications have discussed the risk of deep venous thrombosis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the need for routine deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of clinically detectable DVT in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy without a standard DVT prophylaxis regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed completed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 587 patients over a 4-year period. Eighteen of these patients received some form of perioperative DVT prophylaxis, and 569 patients did not. Routine screening with a duplex Doppler was not used. Patients were followed postoperatively for 4 weeks after discharge from the hospital. RESULTS: In an average of 4 weeks follow-up, 31 complications and 4 deaths were reported. These complications included wound infection (16), postoperative bleeding (3), persistent pain (3), pneumonia (3), retained CBD stones (2), asthma (1), papillary stenosis (1), ileus (1), and intraoperative bowel injury (1). None of the 587 patients in this study had symptoms of DVT or pulmonary embolism. DISCUSSION: Despite the fact that DVT in this patient population is rare, many reports suggest the use of routine DVT prophylaxis with sequential compression devices (SCDs) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). Because no clinically detectable evidence was found of DVT in our study group despite the lack of any perioperative DVT prophylaxis, we question whether routine DVT prophylaxis is indicated or cost effective for routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A large prospective trial addressing this question is needed.     

Late deep venous thrombosis and delayed weightbearing after total hip arthroplasty

One hundred ninety-nine patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty and used in hospital pneumatic compression stockings and aspirin as thromboembolic prophylaxis were screened for deep venous thrombosis using duplex ultrasonography on the fourth postoperative day. Of the initial 98 patients, 21 underwent noncemented arthroplasty, maintained touchdown weightbearing for 6 weeks after surgery, and then began progressive partial weightbearing. Of the subsequent 101 patients, 28 underwent noncemented arthroplasty and began progressive weightbearing immediately after surgery. All other patients underwent hybrid arthroplasty and began weightbearing to tolerance immediately after surgery. After duplex screening examination, patients with proximal deep venous thrombosis were given anticoagulation therapy, and patients with negative study results were observed clinically. The relative risk of proximal deep venous thrombosis after noncemented arthroplasty using delayed weightbearing was compared with that after noncemented arthroplasty using immediate progressive weightbearing. Of patients with noncemented arthroplasty, the prevalence of proximal deep venous thrombosis was significantly lower in those using progressive weightbearing immediately after surgery (none) than in those using delayed weightbearing rehabilitation (19%). This study showed that patients undergoing noncemented total hip arthroplasty with delayed weightbearing rehabilitation risk greater potential for deep venous thrombosis after hospital discharge. This study suggests consideration for continued thromboembolic prophylaxis or routine deep venous thrombosis surveillance, or both measures, after hospital discharge, unless more rapid progression of weightbearing is allowed.     

Efficacy in Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention With Extended Mechanical Compression Device Therapy and Prophylactic Aspirin Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Control Trial

Background

Aspirin at 325 mg twice daily is now included as a nationally approved venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis protocol for low-risk total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. The purpose of this study is to examine whether there is a difference in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurrence after a limited tourniquet TKA using aspirin-based prophylaxis with or without extended use of mechanical compression device (MCD) therapy.

Thromboembolic Complications Following Spine Surgery Assessed with Spiral CT Scans

Spine surgery is associated with a significant risk of postoperative pulmonary embolism (PE) and/or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The goal of this study was to determine which symptoms and risk factors were associated with spiral CT scans positive for PE and/or DVT in the postoperative spine surgery patient. We conducted a retrospective review of all spine patients who underwent a postoperative CT to rule out PE during the period of March 2004–February 2006. The type of surgical procedure, risk factors, symptoms prompting scan ordering, anticoagulation, and treatment were recorded. Logistic regression models were used to determine significant predictors of a positive CT in this patient population. Of the 3,331 patients that had spine surgery during the study period, 130 (3.9%) had a spiral CT scan to rule out PE and/or proximal DVT. Thirty-three of the 130 (25.4%) CT scans were positive for PE only, five (3.8%) for PE and DVT, and three (2.3%) for DVT only. Only 24.5% (32) patients had risk factors for thromboembolic disease, and of these, a history of PE and/or DVT was the only significant risk factor for a positive scan (p = 0.03). No presenting symptoms or demographic variables were noted to have a significant association with PE and/or DVT. The type of surgical procedure (i.e., anterior, posterior, and percutaneous) was not associated with an increased risk for PE and/or DVT. Patients who are undergoing spine surgery with a history of thromboembolic disease should be carefully monitored postoperatively and may benefit from more aggressive prophylaxis.     

Thromboembolism following multiple trauma.

The true incidence of thromboembolic complications following multiple trauma is unknown, and no method of prophylaxis has been shown to be both safe and effective in managing seriously injured patients. In this prospective study, 113 trauma patients were assigned on admission to receive either low-dose heparin (LDH), (5,000 U subcutaneously every 12 hours) or to wear sequential compression devices (SCDs) as prophylaxis against the development of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Both groups of patients were serially studied with duplex venous ultrasound imaging to detect thrombus in the veins of the thigh. Ventilation-perfusion lung scans and pulmonary angiograms were performed when pulmonary embolism (PE) was suspected clinically. There were 12 patients who had thromboembolic complications, including 9 of 76 in the SCD group (12%) and 3 of 37 in the LDH group (8%). Five patients had DVT only, four had PE without detectable DVT, and three had both DVT and PE. None of the patients with PE died, and there were no major complications associated with either method of prophylaxis. Compared with the patients who did not develop DVT/PE, those with thromboembolic complications were older (49 +/- 23 vs. 36 +/- 17 years, p less than 0.02), spent more hospital days immobilized (24 +/- 15 vs. 10 +/- 13 days, p less than 0.001), received more transfusions (11 +/- 12 vs. 3 +/- 5 U, p less than 0.001) and had clotting abnormalities on admission, as demonstrated by prolonged PTT values (39 +/- 28 vs. 26 +/- 5 seconds, p less than 0.001). It appears that there is an identifiable subgroup of injured patients at highest risk for PE who warrant both prophylaxis and close surveillance for DVT.     

Doppler Ultrasonography-Aided Early Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism after Total Knee Arthroplasty

ObjectivesPostoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is usually asymptomatic but can result in a fatal pulmonary embolism (PE). To assess the ability of transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound apparatus to detect venous emboli in patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsForty-eight patients undergoing TKA were examined postoperatively by using compression ultrasonography, computed tomographic angiography, and TCD ultrasonography that detected high-intensity transient signals (HITS) in femoral veins. An original scoring system based on both the number of HITS and the locations of DVT was tested for its accuracy in predicting PE development.ResultsTwenty-three of the 48 patients had DVT postoperatively, and 8 had an asymptomatic PE. The sensitivity and specificity of the HITS assessment alone in identifying PE development were 75% and 92.5%, respectively. The scoring system, however, had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 85% and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was 0.96.ConclusionsApplication of a scoring system based on the detection of both DVT and HITS may be an effective and efficient method of screening for PE after knee arthroplasty.     

An Approach to Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis regimens for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) have not been adequately addressed in the literature. This study presents the results of our prophylactic regimen in LRYGBP at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A retrospective review of 255 morbidly obese patients undergoing LRYGBP between March 2000 and February 2003 was conducted. Patients received preoperative subcutaneous heparin (SQH) (5000u or 7500u) and every 8 hours thereafter during hospitalization. Sequential compression devices (SCD) were utilized during and after surgery unless ambulating. Early ambulation was enforced. Results: 255 patients underwent LRYGBP, with 5 (1.9%) converted to open.Average preoperative weight and body mass index (BMI) were 138 kg and 50, respectively. Operative time averaged 174 minutes. Average length of stay was 2.2 days. 9 patients (3.6%) had a prior history of deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE), one of whom had a DVT/PE postoperatively. 2 patients developed DVT/PE within 30 days. Overall DVT/PE incidence was 1.2%. There were 6 postoperative bleeding episodes (2.4%). Conclusion: This regimen provides excellent prophylaxis against VTE in the hospital setting.     

The efficacy of a single daily dose of enoxaparin for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis following total knee arthroplasty

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major risk following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This prospective outcomes study evaluates the efficacy of enoxaparin 40 mg once daily for 7 days after TKA, by documenting symptomatic and asymptomatic outcomes using bilateral lower extremity duplex ultrasound upon hospital discharge and on postoperative day 21 (+/-2). In 60 extremities, duplex ultrasound demonstrated a DVT prevalence of 16.7% (10) on the day of discharge and of 11.7% (7) on postoperative day 21. No new DVT or propagation of distal to proximal DVT were noted. For this small cohort, enoxaparin 40 mg daily demonstrates effective prophylaxis for DVT in TKA patients.     

The incidence of venous thromboembolism after total hip arthroplasty: a specific hypotensive epidural anesthesia protocol.

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures performed by 3 attending surgeons on the Arthroplasty Service at our institution from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 1993. All surgery was performed under a specific hypotensive epidural anesthesia protocol. Hypotensive epidural anesthesia at our institution provides a lower level of hypotension (mean arterial pressure of 50-60 mmHg) as compared to hypotensive anesthesia used more generally around the world (mean arterial pressure >70 mmHg). For each patient, hospital and postdischarge office records for a minimum of 3 months after surgery were reviewed for the type of postoperative screening test, the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and the incidence of symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE). Overall, 2,592 primary unilateral THAs were performed with 78.6% (2,037 of 2,592) of patients receiving a venogram. Our protocol for thromboembolic disease prophylaxis in these patients included aspirin postoperatively as well as antithromboembolic disease stockings and early ambulation (24-48 hours postoperatively). The 555 patients who did not receive venography were managed with a different protocol that included warfarin postoperatively as well as antithromboembolic disease stockings and early ambulation. This high-risk group consisted of patients who received warfarin preoperatively (ie, cardiac valve) or patients with a history of DVT who were to receive warfarin postoperatively, regardless of venography result. Overall, DVT was diagnosed in 10.3% (210 of 2,037) of patients who had a venogram. Of these patients who had venography, 2.3% (46 of 2,037) had an isolated proximal DVT; 6.0% (123 of 2,037), a distal DVT; and 2.0% (41 of 2,037), both a proximal and a distal DVT. Of the 87 cases of proximal DVT identified, 60.9% (53 of 87) were femoral DVT; 18.4% (16 of 87), popliteal DVT; and 20.7% (18 of 87), both femoral and popliteal DVT. Of the 164 distal DVT, 68.3% (112 of 164) were major calf DVT and 31.7% (52 of 164) were minor calf DVT. The overall incidence of major venous thrombosis (sum of proximal and major calf thrombi) was 9.8% (199 of 2,037) in patients who had venography. Ventilation-perfusion scanning was used selectively in patients symptomatic for PE. Overall, symptomatic PE was diagnosed by ventilation-perfusion scan in 1.0% (26 of 2,592) of patients, with 0.58% (15 of 2,592) of patients having an in-hospital PE. Of the 15 patients who had an in-hospital PE, 11 patients had a venogram, and only 3 of 11 were positive. Late symptomatic PE was defined from discharge (mean, 7 +/- 2 days) to 3 months after discharge from the hospital and occurred in 0.42% (11 of 2,592) of patients. One of the 11 late symptomatic PEs was fatal. In the overall study, this represents 0.04% (1 of 2,592) fatal PE. Of the 11 patients with a late symptomatic PE, 10 had venograms in the hospital, and all 10 were negative for DVT. Overall, in the patients with a positive venogram, the incidence of symptomatic PE was 1.4% (3 of 210), whereas in the patients with a negative venogram, the incidence of symptomatic PE was 0.44% (8 of 1,827). At our institution, patients who undergo primary THA performed with hypotensive epidural anesthesia, postoperative aspirin, antithromboembolic disease stockings, and early ambulation have a low risk for thromboembolic disease.     

The Timing of Symptomatic Pulmonary Embolism in Patients With Nonwarfarin Anticoagulants Following Elective Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence and timing of postoperative, symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients receiving nonwarfarin treatment following primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA), to clarify the appropriate duration of postoperative VTE prophylaxis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 11,148 patients who underwent primary TJA, including total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty at our institution between January 2012 and March 2019. The median postoperative day of diagnosis of symptomatic PE and the interquartile range for day of diagnosis were determined. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to test the difference of timing for PE based on demographics and comorbidities.ResultsThe overall 90-day rate of symptomatic PE was 0.71%. The median day of diagnosis for symptomatic PE was 3 days postoperatively (interquartile range, 2-7 days). Factors showed statistical significance on multivariate analysis in association with earlier timing of PE occurrence in patients with atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and history of stroke.ConclusionThe vast majority of symptomatic PE occurs in the early postoperative period after TJA, and atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and history of stroke were independent factors affecting the timing of symptomatic PE.     

Routine Radiographs After Total Joint Arthroplasty: Is There Clinical Value?

BackgroundRoutine radiographs have historically been obtained during routine care after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, substantial improvements in surgical technique, biomaterials, and changes in payment models placing greater emphasis on value have occurred. Recently, there has been interest in a transition to performing follow-up visits virtually. The purpose of this study was to assess how frequently patients attend postoperative appointments and the clinical utility of routine radiographs after TJA.MethodsPatients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty at a single tertiary institution in 2018 were included. Patients attending scheduled follow-up at 6 to 12 weeks and 1 year were assessed. Retrospective chart review was conducted to determine whether abnormalities were noted on routine radiographic surveillance by the orthopedic surgeons or radiologist and if any radiographic findings altered clinical management.ResultsA total of 938 TJAs were performed, and 885 met inclusion criteria, with 423 (47.8%) total hip arthroplasties and 462 (52.2%) total knee arthroplasties. Eight hundred sixty-five (97.7%) patients attended a follow-up visit at 6 or 12 weeks and 589 (66.6%) attended at 1 year postoperatively. A single radiographic abnormality was detected, occurring at the 6- to 12-week period by the radiologist and interpreted as being an artifact by the surgeon. No additional radiographic abnormalities were detected at 1 year. Information from radiographs did not change clinical management for any patients.ConclusionIn a large cohort of patients, routine radiographic surveillance did not detect any true abnormalities during the first year after primary TJA. For patients without symptoms attributable to the TJA prosthesis, conducting virtual care visits without routine radiographs may be considered.     

Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis after Head and Spinal Trauma: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices Versus Low Molecular Weight Heparin

Although there are alternative methods and drugs for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE), it is not clear which modality is most suitable and efficacious for patients with severe (stable or unstable) head/spinal injures. The aim of this study was to compare intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPC) with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for preventing VTE. We prospectively randomized 120 head/spinal traumatized patients for comparison of IPC with LMWH as a prophylaxis modality against VTE. Venous duplex color-flow Doppler sonography of the lower extremities was performed each week of hospitalization and 1 week after discharge. When there was a suspicion of pulmonary embolism (PE), patients were evaluated with spiral computed tomography. Patients were analyzed for demographic features, injury severity scores, associated injuries, type of head/spinal trauma, complications, transfusion, and incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and PE. Two patients (3.33%) from the IPC group and 4 patients (6.66%) from the LMWH group died, with their deaths due to PE. Nine other patients also succumbed, unrelated to PE. DVT developed in 4 patients (6.66%) in the IPC group and in 3 patients (5%) in the LMWH group. There was no statistically significant difference regarding a reduction in DVT, PE, or mortality between groups (p = 0.04, p > 0.05, p > 0.05, respectively). IPC can be used safely for prophylaxis of VTE in head/spinal trauma patients.