Incidence and risk factors of deep venous thrombosis following arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The objective of this study was to identify the incidence and associated risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. This study included 128 patients who underwent arthroscopic PCL reconstruction. Venography was performed on the operated leg 3 days postoperatively. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether they had DVT. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with DVT. Of all the 128 patients, 28 patients (21.9%) developed DVT, with 4 (3.1%) in a proximal location. Significant differences were found in the mean age, time of application of tourniquet, mean VAS scores, mean d-dimer level, mean cholesterol level, and various surgical procedures in patients with DVT compared with those without DVT. DVT is difficult to diagnose solely based on clinical symptoms. The incidence of DVT was 21.9% in patients who underwent arthroscopic PCL reconstruction. The rate of asymptomatic clots in the calf region was rather high after PCL reconstruction, and the rate of proximal clots was 4%. Older age, longer durations of tourniquet application, higher VAS scores and D-dimer levels, and complex surgical procedures were all substantial risk factors for DVT after PCL reconstruction. The treatment of DVT with batroxobin and anticoagulants was effective and safe.