[Phlebography after total prosthesis. Action of subcutaneous sodium heparin in the prevention of thromboembolism. Results of therapeutic research with subcutaneous sodium heparin using 2 protocols in 250 patients monitored with phlebography].

Two series of patients on which total hip or knee prostheses had been inserted were studied. In the first series (150 cases), the patients were treated with low molecular Dextran and subcutaneous sodium heparin at a constant dosage. The Howell test was done every 3 days. The rate of post-operative thrombosis was 14 p. 100. In the second series (100 cases), the patients were treated with low molecular Dextran and subcutaneous sodium heparin with a variable dose adapted to the type of patient. The rate of post-operative thrombosis was only 7 p. 100. The insertion of a knee prosthesis was much more thrombogenic than hip prostheses. In the second series the rate of thrombosis after hip surgery was only 2 p. 100. However a number of complications relating to anticoagulation were a limiting factor of the method.