Thromboembolic complications secondary to limb trauma in orthopedic surgery department of Sylvanus Olympio university hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Thromboembolic complications arise when the Virchow triad is brought together. In trauma, trauma, bed rest and even treatment promote these complications. The aim: To determine the epidemiological aspects of these complications in trauma patients of the limbs in order to improve prevention and management.Material and method: It was a prospective study from January 1 to December 31, 2018 on the trauma of members admitted to the orthopedic trauma service and who presented a thromboembolic complication. The parameters studied were age, sex, weight, nature of the limb lesion, site of the lesion, type of thromboembolic complications, time to onset of the complication. Results: Twelve (12) patients including 8 men and 4 women presented thromboembolic complications after their trauma. The average age of the patients was 35.4 years. Complications were observed after surgery in 5 cases and after orthopedic treatment in 3 cases. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was found in 9 cases and pulmonary embolism in 3 cases. The limb trauma consisted of a fracture in 10 patients and a dislocation of the knee in 2 cases. Complications mainly occurred on pelvic fracture with 4 cases. The delay of onset of these complications was the first 4 post-traumatic days in most of the patients.