Pharmacological prophylaxis is routinely applied after total hip replacement. Although it effectively reduces deep-vein thrombosis, side effects (bleeding, haematoma, swelling, thrombocytopenia) are not infrequent. Since in Germany use of foot pumps as only means of prophylaxis is unpopular, we investigated their efficacy and safety in a randomized study. 106 patients used either low molecular weight heparin (Fraxiparin, Sanofi-Synthelabo, Germany) or the foot-pump (A-V Impulse System, Orthofix, M?hltal, Germany), and were monitored for deep-vein thrombosis using serial duplex sonography on postoperative days 4, 12 and 45. Clinical observations included daily measurements of thigh circumference, recording of postoperative drainage amounts, and monitoring of wound healing. None of the 50 patients treated with the foot-pump developed deep-vein thrombosis, while 4 of the 50 patients (8 per cent) on pharmacological prophylaxis did so. Six patients stopped using the foot-pump during the study. One patient developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Patients on mechanical prophylaxis had smaller amounts of drainage (mean 247 ml vs. 272 ml, p = 0.485) and significantly less swelling of the thigh (10 mm compared with 15 mm, p or = < 0.001), The good results in terms of prevention of thromboembolic complications and soft tissue swelling favour the general use of foot pumps as mechanical prophylaxis.
Adult Aged