Impression of Delayed Pelvic and Acetabular Fracture Fixation on the Prevalence of Preoperative Venous Thromboembolic Events

Pelvic ring fractures (PRF) and acetabular fractures (AF) are among the most challenging orthopedic injuries. These injuries usually involve operative fixation, with considerable delay after the accident. There are limited studies regarding the effects of delayed surgery on the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in these patients.

In this study, the effect of delayed fixation of PRF and AF on the risk of preoperative VTE was investigated.

There were 86 patients with PRF and/or AF enrolled in the current study. Preoperatively, the presence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was examined utilizing Color Doppler ultrasound (CDU). The time interval between accident and CDU was recorded (time delay). Finally, the time delay was compared between patients with and without DVT formation.

The CDU revealed the presence of DVT in lower limb veins of 11 patients (12.8%). The time delay between the accident and CDU was significantly longer in patients with DVT formation (12.4 ± 4.1 days versus 7.6 ± 2.4 days; P < 0.001).

Delayed fixation of PRF and AFmay increase the risk of preoperative VTE. The authors suggest surgical fixation in these patients as soon as possible in cases without definite contraindication for early fixation.