# The Impact of Cardiovascular Diseases on Postoperative Complications in Orthopedic Trauma Patients

## TL;DR

This study shows that cardiovascular diseases increase postoperative complications in orthopedic trauma patients, especially those with leg fractures.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific cardiovascular conditions linked to higher complication rates in trauma surgery.

## Key findings

- Patients with lower leg fractures had higher complication rates tied to heart valve diseases and chronic venous insufficiency.
- Multivariate analysis showed CVD count, nutrition, smoking, and mobility as key factors in complication development.
- Age and sex were not significant predictors of postoperative complications.

## Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are recognized as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the population worldwide. A healthy cardiovascular system enables adaptation to trauma and physical stress. This study targets the reciprocal relation between CVD and postoperative complications after trauma surgery. Methods: In 2014, a randomized and standardized acquisition of study patients was initiated at a Level I trauma center in Germany. The burden of CVDs and the location, type, and severity of injuries were categorized. Clavien–Dindo classification was used to record postoperative complications. Results: The study analyzed a cohort of 1262 patients, representing a diverse range of orthopedic treatment disciplines within the hospital. It highlighted that patients with lower leg fractures experienced significantly higher complication rates, particularly linked to heart valve diseases and chronic venous insufficiency. Age and sex were not found to have a significant impact. Multivariate analysis identified additional key influencing factors for the development of complications, including the number of CVDs, nutritional status, smoking habits, and mobility levels. Conclusions: CVDs play a pivotal role in elevating complication rates post-trauma-surgery. Trauma-related extremity conditions are notably more severe when accompanied by CVD. A personalized approach that accounts for cardiovascular risk factors could significantly improve treatment outcomes in the future.