# Evaluation of the Incidence and Risk Factors of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Lower Limb Surgery in the North Indian Population

## TL;DR

This study finds that nearly a quarter of lower limb surgery patients in North India develop deep vein thrombosis, with risk factors like age and comorbidities playing a key role.

## Contribution

The study provides region-specific data on DVT incidence and risk factors in North Indian patients undergoing lower limb surgery.

## Key findings

- The overall DVT incidence in the study population was 24.6%.
- Advanced age, prolonged immobilization, and comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension were strongly associated with DVT risk.

## Abstract

Background: In patients undergoing lower limb surgery, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious postoperative complication. If not detected and treated right away, it can cause serious morbidity and even death. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of DVT and the risk factors linked to it in patients in the North Indian population undergoing lower limb surgery.

Methods: Patients undergoing various lower limb surgical procedures at a tertiary care hospital in North India were the subjects of this prospective observational study. Duplex Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess patients and keep an eye out for DVT symptoms after surgery within 3 to 5 days.

Results: The present study was conducted on 65 individuals, all of whom underwent orthopedic surgical procedures. The overall incidence of DVT in the study population was 24.6%, with the remaining 75.4% of subjects showing no evidence of DVT. Factors such as advanced age, prolonged immobilization, previous history of DVT, and presence of comorbidities like “diabetes and hypertension” were found to be strongly associated with an increased risk of developing DVT.

Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of early identification and prevention of DVT in patients undergoing lower limb surgery. The overall DVT incidence of 24.6%, particularly in patients with intertrochanteric and femoral neck fractures, reinforces the need for thromboprophylaxis in this population. Risk stratification and use of prophylactic measures such as anticoagulants and early mobilization can play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of DVT in the North Indian population.