Availability of D-dimer Test for the Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and evaluate the availability of D-dimer test for the diagnosis of DVT after TKA. Materials and Methods: From April 2006 to July 2006, 140 consecutive patients, who had degenerative osteoarthritic knees and underwent primary total knee arthroplasty, were enrolled in this study. General and hematological risk factors were compared between DVT positive and negative patients. D-dimer level was checked preoperatively, and at 1, 7 and 14 days after surgery. A diagnosis of DVT was established by computed tomography venography. Results: DVT was found in 48 (34%) patients and only 5 (10.4%) showed symptoms of DVT. Regarding the risk factors, only obesity was significantly associated with an increased incidence of DVT (p=0.049). Seven days after surgery, the average D-dimer level in the DVT positive and negative patients was 4.90 mg/L and 3.12 mg/L, respectively (p=0.000). Conclusion: In our study patients, the incidence of symptomatic DVT was low er than in the Western population. We recommend obesity, clinical symptoms and D-dimer value at 7 days after surgery as a valuable screening tests for detecting DVT.