Incidence of deep vein thrombosis in postoperative hip fracture patients in Phramongkutklao Hospital.

BACKGROUND:

There are many reports about deep vein thrombosis from Western regions but few reports are from Asian countries especially Thailand.

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of the present study was to reveal the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in postoperative hip fracture patients.

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

Ninety six patients who had intertrochanteric fracture or femoral neck fracture were included. They had fixation or hemiarthroplasty performed according to their indications. Bilateral Venography was performed on the sixth to tenth day after surgery.

RESULTS:

The positive venography result was 47.9%. Only nine patients with positive results had signs and symptoms of deep veins thrombosis. Distal DVT was found in 43.5% of the positive group. Proximal DVT was 56.5%. No patients had symptoms of pulmonary embolism.

CONCLUSION:

The incidence of deep vein thrombosis in Thailand is the same as in Western countries. The prophylaxis regimen may become a part of the line of management in elderly patients with hip fracture. Further studies about the natural history or complications of deep vein thrombosis should be of concern.