Abstract
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in shoulder operations is rare although a few case reports exist. No definite guidelines exist and therefore it is difficult for the surgeon to decide on thromboprophylaxis.
We prospectively evaluated the incidence of DVT following arthroscopic shoulder sub acromial decompression in 72 patients after obtaining local ethics committee approval. Patients with previous history of DVT and those on anticoagulants were excluded from the study. Pre and post-operative Doppler scans on 4 limbs were performed by a single consultant radiologist at an average of 3 weeks. All operations were performed by a single surgeon under GA in beach chair position as a day case procedure on standard lines. Postoperatively the shoulder was immobilised in a sling for comfort and physiotherapy was supervised by a qualified therapist. No patient received any DVT prophylaxis.
The average age of 54.6 years, 47 were classified as ASA 1, 15 as ASA 2 and 10 ASA 3.58 patients had additional interscalene nerve blocks for pain relief. The average operating time was 43 mins. Additional procedures included excision of lateral clavicle in 32, glenoid labral and rotator cuff debridement in 12 and 14 patients. There were no DVTs on Doppler scans. Shoulder arthroscopic sub acromial decompression procedures do not carry a risk of DVT and routine thromboprohylaxis is not required even in higher anaesthetic risk patients.
