The incidence and risk factor of deep venous thrombosis after arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract Purpose To retrospectively analyze the incidence and risk factors of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) detected by ultrasonography after arthroscopically assisted Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR). Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of arthroscopically assisted ACLR surgery performed at our institution between 2012 and 2015. Revision ACLR, bone patella tendon bone (BTB) graft reconstruction, and concomitant multiple ligament reconstructions were excluded. We performed a standardized double-bundle reconstruction procedure using hamstrings graft for ACLR. All patients routinely received DVT screening by using venous ultrasonography on postoperative day 7 from 2012 to 2013, and postoperative days 7 and 14 from 2014 to 2015. The prevalence of DVT was calculated and clinical factors such as age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), operative time, and duration of tourniquet application were evaluated in relation to the risk factor of DVT. Results Two hundred and fifty-six patients (129 men and 127 women) with a mean age of 28.9 were enrolled. Sixteen patients (6.6%) were detected with DVT on postoperative day 7. Among 146 patients who received venous ultrasonography on both postoperative days 7 and 14, DVT were detected in five additional patients on postoperative day 14. In a total of 21 patients who were diagnosed with DVT, two were proximal, the remaining 19 were distal, and no patient had progressed to pulmonary embolism (PE). In terms of predisposing factors for developing DVT on postoperative day 7, only age ≥30 showed a statistically significant higher risk of DVT (P = 0.03). Conclusion Incidence of DVT after ACLR detected by ultrasonography on postoperative day 7 was 6.6%. Patients aged ≥30 years have a potentially higher risk for developing DVT. Great care for DVT should be taken if prolonged immobilization is applied after ACLR surgery. Level of evidence Level Ⅳ