BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify whether iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) is a risk factor for left-sided deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in hip fracture patients and the influence IVCS may have on the treatment of DVT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out among 424 hip fracture patients admitted to our hospital from 2011 to 2016. Clinical data were analyzed, and all patients were classified into the DVT group and the non-DVT group based on plasmin D-Dimer concentration and results of Doppler ultrasound of the left lower limb. Also, a 50% intraluminal constriction of the left iliac vein in the venography image was considered as IVCS. Comparison of IVCS prevalence was made between the DVT group and the non-DVT group. Patients in the DVT group were further divided into the DVT+/IVCS+ group and the DVT+/IVCS– group to evaluate the influence IVCS may have on the treatment of DVT.

RESULTS: There were 204 patients in the DVT group and 220 patients in the non-DVT group. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the mean age, sex distribution, fracture type, and accompanying risk factors between the two groups. A total of 70 patients (34.3%) were diagnosed with IVCS in the DVT group, while confirmed IVCS was found in 52 patients (23.6%) in the non-DVT group (P=0.02). Postoperatively, the incidence of symptomatic DVT in the DVT+/IVCS+ group and the DVT+/IVCS– group was 30.0% and 11.9%, respectively (P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS: IVCS is an under-recognized risk factor for left-sided DVT in hip fracture patients. What’s more, anticoagulation alone is insufficient for the treatment of DVT when it is complicated with IVCS. More aggressive measures have to be taken to achieve a favorable outcome.

Keywords: Hip Fractures, Iliac Vein, May-Thurner Syndrome, Risk Factors, Venous Thrombosis