Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients

The trial results may not apply to patients with severe underlying disease (ASA 4–5) or moderate to severe cognitive impairment (MMSE ≤20), as these groups are excluded. Advanced age, trauma, and prolonged immobility are the major contributors to DVT risk in hip-fracture patients. Age-related loss of vascular wall elasticity, endothelial injury from trauma, coagulation activation, and reduced lower-limb venous return all contribute to thrombosis risk in this population. Severe hip-fracture pain is typically greatest immediately after the fracture rather than after surgery. The first 24 hours after hip fracture may be the peak period for pain-related stress response and thrombotic pathophysiology, which is why patients admitted more than 24 hours after injury are excluded from the trial.