Journal of General Practice

Value of Graduated Compression Stockings in Prevention of Venous Majeed H1* and Szypryt EP2Thromboembolism after Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Majeed H and Szypryt EP

Introduction: Graduated compression stockings (GCS) are used for mechanical prophylaxis for VTE. The aim of our study was to compare the incidence of VTE with and without the use of compression stockings after total hip and knee arthroplasty.
Methods: Data was collected retrospectively over 18 month’s duration, and included all consecutive primary total hip and knee replacements. Patients were divided into 2 groups; group �? (patients in whom GCS were used) and group �?�? (patients in whom GCS were not used). Data was analyzed by excluding as well as including the patients with previous history of VTE.
Results: 1875 patients underwent total hip and knee replacements, excluding the patients with previous history of VTE. Group �? consisted of 982 patients (52.3%) and group �?�? consisted of 893 patients (47.7%). In total, 23 patients (1.22%) had a VTE diagnosed postoperatively (DVT: 8, PE: 15). In group �?, 11 patients (1.12%) suffered from VTE (DVT: 4, PE: 7). In group �?�?, 12 patients (1.34%) had VTE (DVT: 4, PE: 8). Including the patients with previous VTE; in total, 2020 patients underwent hip and knee arthroplasty. Group I comprised of 1040 patients with 14 patients (1.34%) diagnosed with VTE (DVT: 5, PE: 9). Group II comprised of 984 patients with15 patients (1.52%) diagnosed with VTE (DVT: 5, PE: 10).
Conclusion: We did not find any obvious benefit of compression stockings in the prevention of VTE after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty in the presence of enoxaparin prophylaxis.