An analysis of the prevalence and risk factors of deep vein thrombosis in non-fracture patients awaiting total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective study of 1244 cases

Background Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been one of the most dangerous complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA). If a patient’s pre-surgical DVT is overlooked, it can easily be mistaken for a post-operative thrombus and lead to an increased risk of DVT during and after surgery. This retrospective study was to explore the incidence and associated risk factors of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in non-fracture patients before total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods From September 2015 to September 2020, 1242 patients admitted for THA were enrolled with 1120 patients (90.2%) for primary THA and 122 patients (9.8%) for revision THA. An experienced sonographer performed a bedside ultrasound to detect DVT in bilateral lower limbs preoperatively. Univariate and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors. Results 38 patients (3.1%) were detected with preoperative DVT. Univariate analysis showed that age ( P < 0.001), D-dimer level ( P = 0.002), female patients ( P = 0.016), revision THA ( P < 0.001), Barthel Index score ( P = 0.010) were significantly associated with preoperative DVT. In subgroup comparison, the incidence of DVT increased with age significantly ( P < 0.001) and D-dimer level ( P < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, age ≥ 75 years old (odds ratio [OR] 3.678, 95% CI [2.197–18.721], P < 0.001), gender (OR 2.709, 95% CI [1.244–5.896], P = 0.012), higher D-dimer ≥ 0.5 mg/l (OR 6.841, 95% CI [2.197–18.721], P < 0.001) and revision THA (OR 2.240, 95% CI [1.143–5.372], P = 0.05) were confirmed as the independent risk factors. Conclusions The incidence of preoperative DVT in non-fracture patients was 3.1%, with 2.4% in primary THA and 9.0% in revision THA. Age ≥ 75 years old, female, D-dimer ≥ 0.5 mg/l, and revision THA were independent risk factors. When evaluating the risk factors associated with thrombus formation preoperatively, it is important to take these into account before surgery.