Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in hip fractures: a comparison of the arteriovenous impulse system and aspirin.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

A prospective, randomized controlled trial was used to compare the efficacy of the arteriovenous (AV) impulse system and aspirin in reducing venous thrombosis after fracture to the femoral neck.

METHODS:

A total of 143 patients underwent hemiarthroplasty, after which 70 patients were treated with the AV pump and a second group of 73 patients were commenced on 325 mg of aspirin. Duplex ultrasound was used to assess both proximal and distal venous thrombi on days 7 to 10. Calf and thigh circumferences were also measured.

RESULTS:

Thrombi developed in seven of the patients treated with aspirin and in four patients treated with the AV pump. No statistically significant difference could be established (p = 0.109). There was a significant reduction in both calf (p = 0.003) and thigh (p = 0.002) swelling in the group treated with the AV pump. Neither treatment group was a significant predictor of a poorer outcome by using logistical regression analysis (p = 0.258).

CONCLUSIONS:

Both aspirin and the AV pump are effective in reducing thromboembolic events after hemiarthroplasty of the hip.

• Authors: J G Kennedy, K E Soffe, B W Rogers, S Kumar, D R Griffen, P A Dallo Vedova, R J Sullivan, L J Sheehan
• Journal: The Journal of trauma (J Trauma) Vol. 48 Issue 2 Pg. 268-72 (Feb 2000) ISSN: 0022-5282 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10697085 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
• Aspirin

Topics

• Aged
• Aspirin (therapeutic use)
• Cardiology (instrumentation)
• Female
• Femoral Neck Fractures (complications)
• Humans
• Leg (blood supply)
• Male
• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Venous Thrombosis (etiology, prevention & control)