PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy and availability of Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography (MDCT) and Color Doppler Sonography as a method for making an early diagnosis of DVT after joint arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 71 cases (63 patients) were selected. 32 cases (32 patients) underwent a THRA and 39 cases (31 patients) underwent a TKRA between April 2004 to August 2004. All cases underwent both Color Doppler Sonography and MDCT, before and after surgery. No prophylactic medications for DVT were given. Patients who previously had DVT or pulmonary embolism or a medication history of anticoagulation therapy were excluded. RESULTS: DVT was found by MDCT in 33 cases (46.5%) and by Color Doppler Sonography in 15 cases (21.1%). In the 33 cases of DVT diagnosed by MDCT, 24 cases developed in the calf vein, among them, only 4 cases were positive and remaining 20 were negative in Color Doppler Sonography. In the 15 cases of DVT diagnosed by Color Doppler Sonography, 13 cases were positive and only 2 cases were negative in MDCT. CONCLUSION: MDCT is effective in diagnosing DVT after joint arthroplasty in terms of the objectivity, efficacy and accuracy.
Arthroplasty* ; Early Diagnosis ; Humans ; Joints* ; Multidetector Computed Tomography ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Veins ; Venous Thrombosis*