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Mortality after pelvic fractures in the elderly
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Trondheim University Hospital, Norway.
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Elderly patients with minor pelvic fractures rarely experience fatal thromboembolic complications. This study suggests prophylactic anticoagulation is likely unnecessary for this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Minor pelvic fractures in the elderly are theoretically linked to thromboembolic complications.
- Previous clinical assumptions of excellent prognosis are challenged by recent findings of significant fatality rates from pulmonary emboli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the actual incidence of thromboembolic complications in elderly patients with minor pelvic fractures.
- To evaluate the necessity of prophylactic anticoagulation in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study design.
- Analysis of outcomes in 62 patients aged over 60 with minor pelvic fractures over a 4-year period.
Main Results:
- Only one case of verified pulmonary embolus occurred, with patient survival.
- No deaths within the first month were attributed to thromboembolic complications in the 5% mortality group.
Conclusions:
- Thromboembolic complications are infrequent and rarely fatal in elderly patients with minor pelvic fractures.
- Routine prophylactic anticoagulation appears unwarranted for this patient population.