Is Routine Screening Using Duplex Ultrasonography for Deep Vein Thrombosis Necessary after Shoulder Arthroplasty?

The aims of this study were to examine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after shoulder arthroplasty in Korean patients. A total of 265 patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty were included. The mean age of the patients was 74.6 years, and there were 195 females and 70 males. Clinical data including patient demographics, blood tests, and previous and current medical history were investigated. For screening of DVT, duplex ultrasonography of the operative arm was performed 2 to 5 days after surgery. Of the 265 patients, 10 patients (3.8%) were diagnosed with DVT using postoperative duplex ultrasonography. There were no cases of pulmonary embolism. There were no significant differences between the DVT and no DVT groups regarding all clinical data, except for the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), which was significantly higher in the DVT group than in the no DVT group (5.0 vs. 4.1; p = 0.029). All patients had asymptomatic DVT that showed complete resolution after administration of antithrombotic agents or close observation without medications. The overall incidence of DVT was 3.8% during a period of 3 months after shoulder arthroplasty in Korean patients, and most cases were asymptomatic. Routine screening for DVT using duplex ultrasonography after shoulder arthroplasty may not be necessary except in patients with high CCI.