DECREASED CLINICAL VTE RATES IN ELECTIVE LOWER LIMB ARTHROPLASTY WITH INCREASED USE OF INTERMITTENT PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION

We report decreased clinical VTE rates following increased use of mechanical prophylaxis in elective kip and knee arthroplasty. Usage of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) increased due to the increased availability of pump machinery. Timing of IPC use also changed with IPC used intraoperatively on the unoperated limb and for a longer period postoperatively Clinical VTE rates are assessed for two years prior to the change in practice (1140 procedures) and two years afterwards (1285 procedures). There was no other change in practice (chemical thromboprophylaxis, anesthetic technique, use of compression stockings, usage of tourniquet or usage of cement) or in patient profile. Overall clinical VTE rates during admission dropped from 2.98% to 0.62% (p We conclude that IPC with non-sequential calf compression is effective in reducing the rates of clinical in-hospital VTE after elective hip and knee arthroplasty.