Deep vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty in patients with severe varus deformity: A retrospective observational study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and associated risk factors of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with severe varus knees after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: From January 2015 to December 2023, a retrospective study of 226 patients who with preoperative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angles more than 10°were enrolled. The patients were examined with ultrasonography after operation and divided into thrombosis and non-thrombosis groups according to their ultrasonographic results. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with DVT. Results: Of the 226 patients, 15 patients (6.6%) developed DVT, with none in proximal location. Significant differences were found in the mean age, time of application of tourniquet and mean VAS scores in patients with DVT compared with those without DVT. Conclusions: The incidence of DVT was 6.6% in patients who underwent TKA with severe varus deformity. The rate of asymptomatic clots in the calf region was higher than the proximal location. Older age, longer durations of tourniquet application and higher VAS scores were all substantial risk factors for DVT after TKA in patients with severe varus knees.