Deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremities after femoral neck fracture: A retrospective observational study

Abstract

Purpose: The actual incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in femoral neck fractures is underestimated. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of DVT in the lower extremities after femoral neck fracture before and after operation. Methods: The clinical data of patients with femoral neck fractures treated at Xi’an Honghui Hospital between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018, were collected. The patients were examined with ultrasonography before and after operation and divided into thrombosis and non-thrombosis groups according to their ultrasonographic results. The incidence of DVT was reported as a percentage. Results: The incidence rates of preoperative and postoperative DVT were 32% and 56%, respectively. DVT on the uninjured side constituted 45% of all preoperative DVT and 43% of all postoperative DVT. Peripheral DVT constituted 90% and 84% of all preoperative and postoperative DVT, respectively. Diabetes was an independent risk factor of preoperative DVT. Blood loss was an independent risk factor of postoperative DVT, and open reduction and internal fixation surgical procedure was independent protective factor of postoperative DVT as compared with hemiarthroplasty and total hip replacement. Conclusions: The incidence rates of preoperative and postoperative DVT in the patients with femoral neck fracture were high, and orthopedists should pay more attention to DVT as a complication.