Mobilisation after hip surgery and efficacy of thromboprophylaxis

Are current thrombo-embolic prophylaxis guidelines applicable to unicompartmental knee replacement?

“…Similarly, we have not recorded the incidence of asymptomatic DVT; however, the clinical significance of these events is still debated. 18,20,22,39 We scanned fewer patients in the UKR group than in the TKR group. It may be argued that this contributed to the lower incidence of confirmed DVT in the UKR group, but the same strict clinical criteria for suspicion of DVT were used in both groups.…”

“…This regime was devised in collaboration with physicians and haematologists, and in the light of available literature and general consensus in Australia at the start of the study period. [22][23][24][25][26] It does not reflect current national guidelines.…”

Elective total hip replacement: incidence, emergency readmission rate, and postoperative mortality.

“…Recently it has been emphasised that early mobilisation after hip replacement reduces the incidence of postoperative thromboembolic disease. 21 Investigation of the possibility of further reduction in postoperative deaths from circulatory disease in general, and perhaps thromboembolic disease in particular, is warranted.…”

NICE guidelines on reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) in patients undergoing surgery

“…It is also generally accepted that early mobilisation and leg exercises prevent venous stasis and subsequently reduce the risk of thrombi formation (Kierkegaard et al, 1987;Lassen and Borris, 1991). Although there are no RCTs identified attesting to the value of mobilisation and leg exercise in reducing VTE risk, on the balance of physiological evidence, NICE (2007) recommends that patients are encouraged to mobilise after surgery and leg exercises undertaken in immobilised patients.…”