Effectiveness of Caprini risk stratification-guided nursing in preventing postoperative deep vein thrombosis among patients with lower limb fractures

This retrospective study investigates the clinical impact of risk-stratified nursing care, guided by the Caprini assessment tool, on postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention in patients undergoing lower limb fracture surgery. The study evaluates differences in DVT incidence, time to thrombosis onset, and postoperative functional outcomes between intervention and control groups. We analyzed medical records of patients admitted for lower limb fracture treatment between October 2023 and January 2024. Participants were categorized into 2 cohorts: an intervention group (n = 51) receiving Caprini-based stratified nursing and a control group (n = 69) managed with conventional care. Propensity score matching ensured baseline comparability. Outcome measures included DVT occurrence rates, thrombosis-free survival duration, and functional recovery indicators. The intervention group demonstrated superior outcomes across multiple parameters. DVT incidence was markedly lower in the stratified nursing group (5.9%) compared to controls (17.6%, P = .04). Time-to-event analysis revealed significantly prolonged thrombosis-free survival in the intervention group (median 15 vs 10 days, P = .03). Subgroup analysis showed particularly pronounced risk reduction in high-Caprini-score patients (10.0% vs 30.0%, P = .02). Furthermore, the intervention group achieved significantly better functional recovery scores, including Harris Hip Score, AOFAS Ankle Score, Knee Society Score, and SF-36 Physical Component Summary (P < .05). Implementation of Caprini risk stratification-guided nursing protocols effectively reduces postoperative DVT risk, delays thrombosis onset, and enhances functional recovery in lower limb fracture patients. These findings support the clinical adoption of personalized, risk-adapted nursing strategies for postoperative thromboprophylaxis and rehabilitation.