Changes in coagulability as measured by thrombelastography following surgery for proximal femoral fracture.

The effect of surgery for femoral neck fracture on whole blood coagulation and the relationship of altered coagulation to deep venous thrombosis were investigated in 250 patients. Whole blood coagulation was measured using thrombelastography preoperatively, in the early postoperative period and at 6-week review. Significant hypercoagulability was demonstrated after surgery and persisted to 6-week review. A significant correlation between hypercoagulability and the development of deep venous thrombosis is demonstrated. Hypercoagulability is shown to be a major factor in thrombosis formation following proximal femoral neck fracture surgery.