Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following primary total hip replacement (THR) among Pakistanis.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary care hospital among patients that underwent primary THR between 28-09-2019 and 28-03-2020. A total of 128 primary THR were performed during the stated period and the patients were followed at two-weeks postoperatively for an ultrasound doppler by an experienced sonologist with a minimum of five years’ experience. No patient received chemoprophylaxis.
Results: Out of 128 patients, 13 (10.15%) patients with a mean age of 49.78±2.81 years developed DVT postoperatively. This was detected by color doppler ultrasound at two-weeks after THR. We did not find an association between age, gender, dyslipidemia, duration of surgery, hypertension, smoking and diabetes.
Conclusion: We found a high rate of DVT after primary THR and the current practice of prescribing DVT prophylaxis worldwide is justified.

Key words: DVT, arthroplasty, pulmonary embolism, total hip, hip fractures, THR.