The Role of the Use of Low Molecular

Abstract

Background A prospective clinical study was performed to compare the efficacy of the use of low-molecular-weight heparin group (enoxparin group) with control group in the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty. Aim of the study: to assess the prevalence of DVT after total knee arthroplasty and evaluate the importance of the use of low molecular weight heparin in the prevention of this DVT. Methods Thirty-three patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were randomly divided into two groups. One group consisted of 12 patients who received no prophylaxis with an anticoagulant (the control group), other group consisted of 21 patients who received the low-molecular-weight heparin enoxparin (enoxparin group) 4000 I.U. S.C 6 hours after surgery for two weeks after the operation then aspirin 100 mg until 6th week after operation. Bilateral duplex ultrasonography was performed preoperatively and at (5-7) days postoperatively. Results The prevalence of deep-vein thrombosis was 58% in the control group, 38% in the enoxparin group. Conclusions Enoxaparin significantly lowered the prevalence of deep-vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty.