Preoperative prevalence and risk factors for thromboembolic events following tibial plateau fractures: a retrospective analysis of an underestimated risk

Background

Tibial plateau fractures (TPF) are complex intra-articular injuries carrying a high risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), muscular vein thrombosis (MVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Preoperative thrombosis is frequently clinically silent yet may cause serious complications, whereas its detection delays definitive surgery. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of preoperative venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in surgically treated TPF before and after implementation of routine duplex ultrasound screening.