Risk Factors for Thromboembolic Events After Surgery for Ankle Fractures

We conducted a retrospective national-cohort study to determine the incidence of and independent risk factors for venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures. Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, we identified patients who underwent ORIF for ankle fracture between 2005 and 2012. VTE was defined as the occurrence of a deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism within the first 30 postoperative days. Of the 4412 ankle fracture patients who met the inclusion criteria, 33 (0.8%) had a VTE. Multivariate analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 35 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR], 4.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-21.72; P = .044), BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher (OR, 4.71; 95% CI, 1.03-21.68; P = .046), heart disease (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.20-8.97; P = .020), and dependent functional status (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.11-6.04; P = .028) were independently associated with occurrence of VTE after ankle fracture ORIF. Patients with higher BMI and patients with heart disease or dependent functional status may be considered for VTE prophylaxis.