Doppler Ultrasound Evaluation of Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in Trauma Patient in Lagos, Nigeria.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a public health emergency worldwide and a major contributor to the global disease burden. It is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality amongst bedridden patients, especially those with lower extremity fractures. Early detection of DVT is crucial for the survival of the patient. This study aimed to assess the triplex sonographic features of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) and identify risk factor(s) that are associated with its development in hospitalized orthopaedic patients. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of a total of 80 participants: 40 hospitalized adult orthopaedic patients with pelvic and lower extremity fractures (PELEF) and 40 hospitalized adult orthopaedic trauma patients without PELEF (non-PELEF). Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee and consented to by all the participants before inclusion. The risk factors for DVT were assessed using a risk assessment questionnaire. Wells score, D-dimer assay, and triplex Doppler ultrasound scanning of both lower limb veins were performed on the participants. Doppler ultrasound scan detected DVT in seven (8.8%) participants. D-dimer test was both positive in 21 (52.5%) and negative in 19 (47.5%) participants. Sonographic DVT findings correlated with Wells scores in those with LEDVT amongst cases. The highest occurring risk factors for DVT were being recently bedridden (92.5%) and major trauma (87.5%) which were observed in 70.0% of participants with LEDVT and 67.5% without LEDVT. LEDVT occurred more in the PELEF case group compared to the non-PELEF controls. Major trauma, recent immobilization, and collateral superficial veins were the major risk factors for DVT in this study.