Assessing the Incidence and Risk Factors of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Patients at Tertiary Care Hospital in India

Abstract Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant complication following spinal cord injury (SCI), frequently leading to pulmonary embolism and increased mortality. Methodology: This descriptive study evaluated the incidence of DVT amongst traumatic SCI patients and analysed demographic and clinical risk factors. A total of 277 traumatic SCI patients admitted from January 2001 to August 2017 at a tertiary care hospital were analysed. Patients aged 18–60 with residual neurological deficits post-SCI were included. Venous Doppler scans confirmed DVT diagnoses. Demographic data, neurological level of injury, muscle tone, ASIA impairment scale and time since injury were analysed for associations with DVT. Results: Overall, DVT incidence was 3.97%. Patients with complete injuries (ASIA Grade A) exhibited a higher prevalence of DVT, though the odds ratio (OR = 5.376, 95% confidence interval: 0.678–42.645) was not statistically significant. Younger and male predominance were observed in the cohort, but no significant association was found between age and DVT. Risk factors such as immobility, muscle hypotonia and pressure ulcers were linked to increased DVT risk. Conclusion: Although our findings highlight low DVT incidence, they suggest increased risk in patients with severe neurological impairment. It also suggests that decisions regarding thromboprophylaxis should balance clinical needs and socioeconomic considerations in resource-limited settings.