Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application features of intermittent pneumatic compression and prevention and treatment of deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs following hip replacement.
METHODS: A computer-based online search of Wanfang and CNKI databases was performed for articles related to intermittent pneumatic compression and prevention and treatment of deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs following hip replacement published between 1980 and 2010 with the keywords “hip replacement, deep venous thrombosisof lower limbs, intermittent pneumatic compression, prevention, treatment”. Articles related to causes and prevention measures of deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs were included. Repetitive studies and old articles were excluded. 
RESULTS: A total of 23 articles were included. The formation of deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs following hip replacement mainly relate to blood hypercoagulabale state, slow venous blood flow, blood vessel endothelium injury, analgesic pump application and psychological factors. The deep venous thrombosis frequently occurs at femoral vein, sural veins and leg intermuscular venous plexus at 1-7 days post hip replacement. Intermittent pneumatic compression treatment prevents thrombosis through the mechanical effect and biochemical effect.
CONCLUSION: Intermittent pneumatic compression exhibits favorable prevention of deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs following hip replacement. It is a safe and simple physical therapy. However, the effect in patients with high risks remains unclear, which requires the combination with drugs to obtain precise treatment effects.