Risk level analysis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A study of Turkish patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery

• This descriptive study was conducted to determine the levels of risk, the risk factors, and their odds ratio for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.
• Aging, obesity, immobility, and acute and chronic diseases were significant risk factors for postoperative DVT.
• For evidence-based clinical practice, these high-level risk factors should be taken into account in an effort to prevent DVT in orthopedic patients.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a prevalent problem for orthopedic patients, particularly owing to the nature of operative interventions and treatment procedures, predisposing to an high risk of DVT. This descriptive study was conducted to determine the levels of risk, the risk factors, and their odds ratio for DVT in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery. Data were collected using a Patient Information Form and the Autar DVT Risk Assessment Scale (DVTRAS) in orthopedic wards of a university hospital on postoperative day 2. Data were analyzed using descriptive, comparative analysis, and binary logistic regression. The 102 patients (mean age, 52.58 ± 21.58 years) were hospitalized for a mean of 14.35 ± 14.56. Of the sample, 53.9% were female, 65.7% had a history of previous surgery, and 54.9% had undergone total hip/knee arthroplastic surgery, 67.6% of patients wore graduated compression stockings, and 62.7% were administered liquid infusion. Those patients had moderate risk score (12.77 ± 5.66) in the Autar DVTRAS. According to binary logistic regression analysis, aging, obesity, immobility, and acute and chronic diseases were significant risk factors for postoperative DVT (p ≤ .05). This study highlights evidence on the degree of DVT risk, risk factors, and impact of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing major orthopedic operations. For evidence-based clinical practice, these high-level risk factors should be taken into account in the prevention of DVT in orthopedic patients.