Stone MH, Limb D, Campbell P, Stead D, Culleton G.
A comparison of intermittent calf compression and enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis
in total hip replacement. A pilot study.
Int Orthop 1996;20(6):367-9

General Infirmary at Leeds, UK.

A prospective randomised trial was carried comparing the use of Enoxaparin with
intermittent pneumatic calf compression garments for thromboprophylaxis in total
hip replacement. Fifty consecutive patients were studied and randomised to evaluate
these two methods. There were 2 deep vein thromboses, one in each group, and no
cases of pulmonary embolism. The operative field was judged to be drier in the
compression group, but the mean fall in the postoperative haemoglobin level was
the same in each. In the peroperative period, 6 patients in the Enoxaparin group
needed 2 units of blood and one 3 units. In the compression group, 3 patients
needed transfusions of 2 units. Intermittent calf compression has fewer problems
than the use of Enoxaparin and has no contraindications.