[Hip arthroplasty and thromboembolic complications].

Orthopedic départment of Centre hospitalo-universitaire de Brest use one upon another two procedures: from 1974 to 1984, for 1287 cases the prevention of thromboembolic complications is done with the help of subcutaneous heparin at standard dose during 12 days; the clinical diagnosis in confirmed by an isotopic phlebography and isotopic lung scan. In 1986 and 1987, for 391 cases this prevention is done with the help of subcutaneous heparin in adapted doses during 21 days; the clinical diagnosis is confirmed by X ray phlebography and isotopic lung scan. The frequency of thromboembolic complications has been 4.6% in the first period and 1.2% in the second period. This results confirm the role of heparin in preventing post operative thromboembolic complications after total hip replacement. The results after knee arthroplasty are not so good.