The Anatomical Distribution Of Calf Vein Thrombosis After Total Knee And Hip Arthroplasty

Purpose:This study aimed to identify the anatomical distribution of acute calf deep vein thrombosis in patients after Total knee and hip arthroplasty within 7 days and to evaluate risk factors affecting postoperative calf DVT distribution.Materials and Methods:From May 2007 to August 2012, a total of 172 patients after TKA and THA were diagnosed as calf DVTs by unilateral venography within 7 days. The involved veins of DVT were recorded and divided into group A (one single calf vein thrombosis) and group B (multiple calf veins thrombosis) according to the location. The anatomical distribution of DVT between two groups was compared. Associated clinical parameters were also chosen to assess the relationship with DVT distribution.Results:In group A (122 patients), muscular veins are the most common location (70.5%), followed by posterior tibial veins (18.9%) and peroneal veins (7.6%). In group B (50 patients), peroneal and posterior tibial veins together were involved in 11 limbs (22%). The posterior tibial, peroneal and muscular veins together were found in 8 (16%) limbs. Types of surgery affect the distribution of calf DVT (p= 0.013). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, DVTs in TKA patients have a 2.326-folder risk for multiple calf veins than that in THA patients (p= 0.026,95%CI=.204-0.904).Conclusion:The most common sites of calf DVTs after TKA and THA are muscular veins. Calf DVTs in TKA patients are more inclined to occur in multiple calf veins within 7 days, compared with THA.