Colour Doppler Ultrasonography as a Noninvasive Screening Tool for Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially serious complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Early detection is essential to prevent pulmonary embolism and reduce postoperative morbidity. Colour Dopplerultrasonography (CDUS) provides a non-invasive and reliable method for DVT screening. The objective is to evaluate theeffectiveness of colour Doppler ultrasonography in detecting DVT following primary TKA and to determine its anatomicaldistribution and associated clinical risk factors. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 50patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA at SAL Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmedabad, from 1st January to 31stMarch 2025. Bilateral lower-limb CDUS was performed at 48–72 hours and on postoperative Day 7. Clinical, laboratory,and operative variables were analysed using SPSS Version 27.0. Results: Distal calf veins, particularly the posterior tibialvein and soleal sinusoids, were the most common sites of thrombosis. CDUS demonstrated 92.3% sensitivity, 97.4%specificity, and 96.0% overall diagnostic accuracy. Longer tourniquet time, prolonged operative duration, higher Wellsscore, and elevated D-dimer levels were significantly associated with DVT. Conclusion: Colour Doppler ultrasonography isan accurate, safe, and effective imaging modality for early postoperative DVT detection and should be considered for routinesurveillance following TKA.