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Blood loss and contributing factors in femoral fracture surgery |
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| Authors: | I Kajja GS Bimenya B Eindhoven H Jan ten Duis CTS Sibinga |
| Affiliation: | 1.Department of Orthopaedics, Mulago Hospital, Kamapala, Uganda;2.Department of Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University;3.University Medical Center Groningen, Aaesthesiology;4.University Medical Center Groningen, Traumatology;5.Academic Institute for International Development of Transfusion Medicine |
| Abstract: | BackgroundSubstantial blood losses frequently accompany orthopedic procedures.MethodsWe prospectively noted peri-operative hemoglobin changes in 93 patients undergoing surgery for femoral fracture with an aim of establishing blood loss and related factors.ResultsThe mean total blood loss assessed 72 hours after the surgical procedure was 3.31 (SD 1.56) units of whole blood. A multiple regression analysis revealed diathermy use and a simple fracture pattern as significant factors in reducing blood loss (p<0.01).ConclusionsOpen intramedullary fixation of femur fractures leads to considerable peri-operative blood loss. This is can be reduced by use of diathermy during surgery. |
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