Is the Use of Low Molecular Weight Heparin for 15 Days Adequate for Prophylaxis in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolic events, which can occur, if necessary, precautions are not taken after total joint arthroplasty, are a significant cause of mortality. One of the medical treatments used for prevention is low molecular weight heparin. Duration of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is used for prophylaxis can vary among physicians.In this study, we compared the effect of the duration of LMWH use on thromboembolic complications within patients, who had total knee arthroplasty.
METHODS: The study is retrospective and data is obtained from total of 224 adult patients over the age of 18. Age, gender, and post-operative complications were evaluated. The patients were separated into two groups as those who used LMWH for 15 days and those who used LMWH for 30 days and the development of thromboembolic complications between the two groups was compared statistically.
RESULTS: Of the 224 patients thrown in the study, %81.7 were women. Group 1 (those who used LMWH for 15 days) consisted of 116 patients, and group 2 (those who used LMWH for 30 days) consisted of 108 patients. The distinction between the two groups regarding deep vein thrombosis (DVT) did not display any statistically significant difference (p=0.943).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In DVT prophylaxis in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, LMWH for 15 days is as effective as LMWH for 30 days. Therefore, it is sufficient to give LMWH for a short period of time as it is an invasive procedure.