Pharmacologic Prophylaxis and Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism after Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of unfractionated heparin, warfarin and low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) used for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in arthroplastic surgery of the knee joint. Methods: In this prospective study from August 2002 to November 2004, 60 patients were included and divided into three groups with equal numbers, with each group receiving different treatment protocol. Postoperatively, the occurrence of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) was recorded during the first 30 days after surgery and at a routine follow-up visit. Results: A significantly lower prevalence of DVT and PE was found in patients using warfarin and LMWH as prophylaxis in comparison with patients using unfractionated heparin. Conclusion: Warfarin and low molecular weight heparins are more beneficial and effective than unfractionated heparin for DVT and PE prophylaxis in arthroplastic knee surgeries.