Clinical analysis of preoperative deep vein thrombosis risk factors in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

Objectives: The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients admitted to hospital for total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods: From September of 2003 to December of 2010, 505 patients admitted for THA were eligible for the retrospective study. The diagnosis of preoperative DVT, which was based on previous venous thromboembolism (VTE) management studies, was confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography. The prevalence of silent DVT in lower limbs in patients before THA was assessed. And the risk factors for preoperative DVT were investigated the correlation of DVT in the patient's background and medical history.

Results: Preoperative DVT was diagnosed in 62 of 505 (12.3%) patients overall. Significantly elevated risks of DVT were found in patients with increased age, a history of major surgery, revision THA, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and a history of cancer treatment. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that increased age, RA, and history of major surgery were the independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in this study.

Conclusions: A high prevalence (12.3%) of preoperative DVT was found in patients admitted to hospital for THA. Patients with increased age, RA, and a history of major surgery may be at an increased risk of preoperative DVT. The present results suggest that instrumental screening should be encouraged, at least in subgroups at higher risk of preoperative DVT.