Prevention of deep-vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty in Asian patients. Comparison of low-molecular-weight heparin and indomethacin.

BACKGROUND:

A prospective clinical study was performed to compare the efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin and indomethacin for the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty in Asian patients.

METHODS:

One hundred and fifty patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were randomly divided into three groups. One group consisted of fifty-one patients who received no prophylaxis with an anticoagulant (the control group), one consisted of fifty patients who received the low-molecular-weight heparin Fraxiparine (the Fraxiparine group), and the third consisted of forty-nine patients who received indomethacin (the indomethacin group). Bilateral ascending venography was performed preoperatively and at five, six, or seven days postoperatively. A third venogram was made at three months for patients who had had a deep-vein thrombosis.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of deep-vein thrombosis was 71% in the control group, 50% in the Fraxiparine group (p = 0.042), and 45% in the indomethacin group (p = 0.011). Only 28% of the deep-vein thromboses were symptomatic, and there were no pulmonary emboli.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with no prophylaxis, Fraxiparine and indomethacin significantly lowered the prevalence of deep-vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty. Prophylaxis against deep-vein thrombosis in the Asian population appears to be warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic study, Level I-1a (randomized controlled trial [significant difference]). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.