Efficacy of Atorvastatin Against Venous Thromboembolism After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the effect of atorvastatin on the prevention and management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

A total of 300 patients were equally assigned to a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group received oral atorvastatin calcium tablets (20 mg/day) starting on the first day after surgery. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, incision hemorrhage, postoperative infection, and incision ecchymosis were evaluated in both groups. Additionally, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, Harris hip scores, and Harris grading were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, incision hemorrhage, postoperative infection, and incision ecchymosis was significantly lower in the treatment group after atorvastatin intervention (P < 0.05 vs. control group). The hemoglobin levels, hematocrits, and VAS scores in the treatment group were significantly lower on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 after surgery (P < 0.05 vs. control group). The Harris hip scores and the number of patients with excellent Harris grading were significantly higher in the treatment group (P < 0.05 vs. control group).

CONCLUSION

Atorvastatin is effective in preventing VTE after THA and in improving postoperative joint function.