POSTPHLEBITIC-SYNDROME AFTER HIP-ARTHROPLASTY - 43 PATIENTS FOLLOWED AT LEAST 5 YEARS

We reviewed 43 patients using clinical scoring for evidence of postphl ebitic syndrome at least 5 years after hip replacement. All had had a venogram as part of a screening study at the time of surgery. The post phlebitic syndrome was identified in 13 patients and was disabling in 6. The syndrome was present in 9 of the 11 patients with a venographic ally proven deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and in 4 of the 32 without DVT. Postphlebitic sequelae had developed despite anticoagulant therapy fo r the acute DVT. The postphlebitic syndrome following asymptomatic dee p vein thrombosis is an important longterm complication of total hip r eplacement.