Lu WJ, Yu NS, Lin ZX.
[Prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis in lower limb after operation
by intermittent pneumatic compression.]
[Article in Chinese]
Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi 2000 May;14(3):129-31

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical
College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China 510120.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression on
prevention of deep venous thrombosis after operation of lower limbs. METHODS:
From Oct. 1997 to Aug. 1998, forty cases were received Doppler examination
preoperatively, which showed no deep venous thrombosis in all the lower limbs of
40 cases. Among them, 24 cases were received total hip arthroplasties, 4 cases
were received total knee arthroplasties and 12 cases were received dynamic hip
screw. Postoperatively, every case were continuously received intermittent
pneumatic compression for 14 to 21 days (2 hours, qid), and venography were
performed on the operated lower limb on the 7th day after operation to check the
presence of deep venous thrombosis. RESULTS: Among the 40 cases, there were 4
cases of deep venous thrombosis without symptom of pulmonary embolism, the
incidence rate was 10%. CONCLUSION: Intermittent pneumatic compression can
significantly reduce the incidence rate of deep venous thrombosis after the
operation of the lower limbs.