Prevalence of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Hip Fracture in Geriatric Patients with Delayed Hospital Admission

Purpose: Patients with hip fractures frequently experience deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is linked to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. This study sought to characterize the preoperative DVT prevalence in patients seeking care ≥48 hours following a hip fracture. Methods: We included elderly patients admitted≥48 h after sustaining a hip fracture, between January 2022 and December 2022. Patients with pathologic fractures, anticoagulation therapy, previous DVT episodes, and cancer treatment were excluded. Out of the 273 patients, 59 had their admission within 48 hours of the fracture. Upon hospital admission, a Doppler ultrasound of both lower extremities was performed to screen for DVT. We documented the following: age, sex, ASA score, fracture type, duration since injury, time between admission and surgery, and overall hospital stay. Results: A total of 41 patients, aged 81 (±13.34), were examined. 110 hours had passed between the injury and admission (46-676 hours). Upon admission, five patients (12.19%) had a DVT. Regarding the duration of the hospital stay overall or the time from admission to surgery, there were no appreciable differences between patients with and without DVT. In conclusion, 12.19% of patients admitted ≥48 hours following a hip fracture had DVT. The time needed for surgery or hospital stays was not prolonged by the diagnosis or treatment of DVT. Our findings recommend routine DVT screening in patients who seek medical attention within 48 hours of an injury.