The prevalence of deep Venous thrombosis of the lower extremity in hospitalised bedridden orthopaedic patients: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of objectively confirmed deep vein thrombosis of lower extremities in bedridden hospitalised orthopaedic patients who received no thromboprophylaxis. Method: The prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, from April to June 2021, and included all patients aged ≥40 years admitted for intended major lower limb surgery and expected to be confined to the bed for at least 4 days. Duplex ultrasound scanning of both legs was used to confirm deep vein thrombosis. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Results: Of the 104 subjects, 60(57.6%) were males and 44(42.3%) were females. The overall mean age was 51.9±7.4 years. The most common type of fracture was the neck of femur 28(26.9%). The mean delay between the fracture and admission was 6.44±4.9 days. The mean length of hospital stay was 12.76±3.8 days. The overall prevalence of deep vein thrombosis was 16(15.3% and none of these patients had any symptom at all. Conclusion: There was 15.3% prevalence of deep vein thrombosis. Considering that the condition is potentially lethal, routine prophylaxis for all at-risk patients should be encouraged.