PREOPERATIVE INCIDENCE OF DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS AFTER HIP FRACTURES IN KOREANS

Abstract

Introduction: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious complication in elderly patients with hip fractures. However, its preoperative incidence remains unclear in Korean geriatric populations. This study aimed to assess the frequency of asymptomatic preoperative DVT in elderly Korean patients with hip fractures.

Methods: This prospective study included 152 Korean patients (52 men, 100 women; mean age 78.2 years) with femoral neck or intertrochanteric fractures caused by falls. DVT was screened preoperatively using ultrasonography (26 patients) or CT venography (126 patients). Inferior vena cava filters were placed in patients diagnosed with DVT before surgery.

Results: Although no clinical signs of DVT were observed, 4 patients (2.6%) had asymptomatic DVT. The average time from injury to hospitalization was 237 hours in DVT patients vs. 27.5 hours in those without DVT. DVT developed within 72 hours in 2 out of 137 patients (1.4%) and after 72 hours in 2 out of 15 patients (13.3%).

Discussion: While the overall incidence of preoperative DVT was low, delays beyond 72 hours significantly increased the risk. Therefore, DVT screening should be considered in cases of delayed hospitalization or surgery.