Perioperative pain control is important for prevention of venous thromboembolism after around the knee osteotomy

Abstract

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are well-known complications after TKA. However, there are few reports about VTEs after around the knee osteotomy (AKO). Purpose: To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for VTEs after AKO. Methods: A total 108 AKO cases were assessed in this study. The procedures included open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO; n=96), hybrid closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWHTO; n=7), distal femoral osteotomy (DFO; n=2), tibial condylar valgus osteotomy (TCVO; n=2), and double level osteotomy (DLO; n=1). Ultrasonography of the lower extremities was performed for all patients at 1 week after AKO. The incidence of VTEs was investigated, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which patient demographics, pre-operative clinical results and surgical factors were associated with DVT or PE after surgery. Results: Of the 108 patients who underwent AKO, 29 (26.9%) developed postoperative DVT, but no patients developed PE. The logistic regression analysis identified abrasion chondroplasty (odds ratio [OR], 3.46) and pre-operative pain visual analog scale (VAS; OR, 1.05) as independent predictors of DVT. Conclusion: The incidence of DVT after AKO is relatively high and preoperative and postoperative pain may induce DVT. Perioperative pain control is important for preventing VTEs.