Letter

Thromboprophylaxis after replacement arthroplasty

BMJ 2001; 322 doi: 10.1136/bmj.322.7301.1546/a (Published 23 June 2001)
Cite this as: BMJ 2001;322:1546.2

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Many surgeons prefer not to prescribe chemoprophylaxis after arthroplasty

  1. David A Macdonald, consultant orthopaedic surgeon (David.Macdonald@gw.sjsuh.northy.nhs.uk)
  1. St James's University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF
  2. The Old Barn, North Green, Kirtlington, Oxford OX5 3JZ

    EDITOR—Thomas confirms that intermittent calf compression reduces the rate of pulmonary embolism to 1% after replacement arthroplasty without having the possible side effects of chemoprophylaxis.1 He goes on to state that when the efficacy of foot pumps was compared with that of anticoagulation “the results in terms of preventing deep venous thrombosis were comparable.”

    The rest of the editorial is aimed at supporting the use of anticoagulation in these patients. I presume that Thomas is …

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