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Leg scanning with radioisotope-labeled fibrinogen in patients undergoing hip surgery

Journal Article · · J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States)
To establish whether radioisotope-labeled fibrinogen leg scanning is of value in the context of hip surgery, we propsectively studied 21 consectuvie patients undergoing either total hip replacement (14) or open repair of a hip fracture (seven) with leg scans, contrast phlebography, and ventilation and perfusion lung scans. We found that in eight patients (38%), venous thromboembolism developed postoperatively. Agreement between phlebographic and leg scanning results was excellent. In no patient as venous thrombosis limited to the thigh on the operated-on side, a vital consideration in application of fibrinogen leg scanning to this patient population. Two patients had lung scan changes indicative of embolism; both had thrombi extending into thigh veins. Leg scanning with radioisotope-labeled fibrinogen appears to be a useful method for monitoring patients undergoing hip surgery, if the upper three counting points on the operated-on side are excluded.
Research Organization:
Univ. of California, San Diego
OSTI ID:
5246204
Journal Information:
J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States) Vol. 243:20; ISSN JAMAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English