Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication after traumatic lower limb fractures. This study aims to investigate the risk factors associated with DVT after traumatic lower limb fractures and to analyze their values in clinical practice.
Patients were classified into DVT and Non-DVT groups based on the occurrence of DVT during the perioperative period. These data were statistically analyzed to screen for risk factors for DVT after traumatic lower limb fractures and to analyze thrombus regression 1 month after surgery.
DVT occurred in 39.29% (77/196) patients during the perioperative period. The incidence of DVT varied, with a high incidence of 46.67% for femoral neck/trochanteric fractures. Patients in the DVT group were characterized by older age, higher perioperative blood transfusion (both p < 0.001), higher fibrinogen (FIB) on admission (p < 0.001), significant postoperative Hb decline (p = 0.023) and higher D-D (p = 0.001). Age greater than 65 years, comorbid diabetes mellitus, and postoperative Hb decline of 30 g/L were independent risk factors for DVT in the perioperative period in patients with traumatic lower limb fractures. For every 1 SD increase in FIB and D-D, patients had a 1.01-fold (95% CI, 0.99 to 4.25) and 2.75-fold (95% CI, 1.055 to 7.25) increased risk of DVT, respectively.
DVT complicating traumatic lower limb fractures is strongly associated with a variety of risk factors, of which advanced age and significantly higher D-D on admission are two of the most critical.