Thromboembolism after hip surgery. Comparison of screening methods.

Venous thromboembolism is a serious and, often, asymptomatic complication of hip surgery. A reliable screening test is needed to detect thrombi early to prevent death from pulmonary emboli. Noninvasive screening tests were ineffective in our study of 453 patients. We recommend early use of ventilation/perfusion lung scanning in all patients after hip surgery. In those who have positive results, ascending venography can be used to localize the thrombus and anticoagulation therapy can be started early.