Reference Search
| The Role of Mechanical and Other Adjuncts |
| Source: Westrich G: American Journal of Knee Surgery 12(1): 64-71, 1999 |
| Summary: A meta-analysis was performed on all published total knee arthroplasty (TKA) studies that included routine screening for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Twenty-five studies met this criteria. The meta-analysis divided prophylaxis into 4 groups: aspirin warfarin, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). This review of the literature indicated that IPC devices were the most effective modality in preventing the occurrence of DVT after TKA. Mechanical prophylaxis for DVT using IPC devices "is safe and efficacious, and may be more cost-effective" than pharmacologic prophylaxis. |