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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is DVT Possible After A Broken Leg Surgery In An Elderly Person?

My Father-in-law is 97 recently broke a leg and has been in re-hab for about a week post surgery. A few minutes ago our brother-in-law texted that he is being rushed to ER and is on oxygen b/c his blood pressure has dropped. He is otherwise very healthy and is not on medication of any sort except pain moderation. Is DVT in the realm of possibility here?
Tue, 19 Apr 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
The reason why your Father-in-law is admitted to ER due to fall in blood pressure and want of oxygen could be due to hypovolemic shock and not due to DVT. Presently he requires supportive measures to keep his vital parameters under control.
Deep vein thrombosis would manifest with severe pain in the legs along with fall in blood pressure, and is commonly seen in people who are bed ridden for a longer duration. Since your father-in-law was ambulatory and was on rehabilitation post surgery, possibility of DVT is remote.
Hypovolemic shock could have occurred post surgery due to bleeding at some place like the site of fracture or operated site.
Do not worry as the cause for the symptoms would be investigated and treated appropriately.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
Best wishes.
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Is DVT Possible After A Broken Leg Surgery In An Elderly Person?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. The reason why your Father-in-law is admitted to ER due to fall in blood pressure and want of oxygen could be due to hypovolemic shock and not due to DVT. Presently he requires supportive measures to keep his vital parameters under control. Deep vein thrombosis would manifest with severe pain in the legs along with fall in blood pressure, and is commonly seen in people who are bed ridden for a longer duration. Since your father-in-law was ambulatory and was on rehabilitation post surgery, possibility of DVT is remote. Hypovolemic shock could have occurred post surgery due to bleeding at some place like the site of fracture or operated site. Do not worry as the cause for the symptoms would be investigated and treated appropriately. Hope the information provided would be helpful. Best wishes.