Frequency and risk factors for deep vein thrombosis after orthopaedic surgery

Background: major orthopaedic surgery of lower limb presents considerable risk of deep vein thrombosis. occurrence of deep vein thrombosis is different in different parts of the globe. in western countries it is 40-80 percent. in asian countries it is said to be very low. deep vein thrombosis may remain silent and can cause fatal pulmonary embolism without being clinically evident. there are definite risk factors recognized for deep vein thrombosis. aim: to determine the frequency and risk factors for deep vein thrombosis after orthopaedic surgery of and around hip and knee. study design: this was descriptive case series setting: the study was conducted at ghurki trust teaching hospital,lahore. duration: the study duration was one year starting from december 13,2006. methods: 150 patients of either sex aged > 40 who were admitted through a & e department and opd. they were operated on and around hip and knee. all were examined clinically for dvt preoperatively. if any doubt,color doppler was done to rule out dvt. all patients were subjected to color doppler ultrasonography on 4th to 7th post operative day. in the patients who showed a positive report,risk factors were identified. result: dvt was found in 12 patients out of 150 patients (8%). the risk factors found in these patients were multiple trauma,immobility more than 4 days,surgical time more than 2 hours,ischemic heart disease and hypertension. conclusion: postoperative dvt in orthopaedics patients has a lower frequency and it can be lowered further if risk factors are identified and addressed properly. © 2016,lahore medical and dental college. all rights reserved.