Nonlinear relationship and threshold effect of D-dimer on preoperative deep vein thrombosis in patients with ankle fractures: a retrospective study - Report - MDSpire

Nonlinear relationship and threshold effect of D-dimer on preoperative deep vein thrombosis in patients with ankle fractures: a retrospective study

  • By

  • Zi-Ruo Zhang

  • Pei-Pei Li

  • Dan Chen

  • Si Gao

  • Xing Fan

  • Hong-Mou Zhao

  • Jing Hu

  • Jin Tong

  • Hong Zhi

  • July 15, 2026

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Clinical Report: Nonlinear Impact of D-dimer on Preoperative DVT in Ankle Fractures

Overview

This study investigates the association between D-dimer levels and preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in ankle fracture patients. A nonlinear relationship was identified, with a critical threshold at 3.92 mg/L.

Background

Ankle fractures are common injuries that can lead to serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which poses risks during the perioperative period. D-dimer, a marker of coagulation, has been previously linked to DVT risk, but its specific relationship in ankle fracture patients has not been thoroughly explored.

Data Highlights

ParameterValue
Patients Included818
Preoperative DVT Incidence13.45%
Odds Ratio for D-dimer1.14 (95% CI: 1.03–1.26, P = 0.010)
Inflection Point for D-dimer3.92 mg/L
Odds Ratio Below Threshold1.60 (95% CI: 1.24–2.06, P < 0.001)

Key Findings

  • D-dimer is an independent risk factor for preoperative DVT in ankle fracture patients.
  • 13.45% of the studied population developed preoperative DVT.
  • A nonlinear relationship exists between D-dimer levels and DVT risk.
  • An inflection point for D-dimer was identified at 3.92 mg/L.
  • Below this threshold, each 1 mg/L increase in D-dimer significantly raised the odds of DVT.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider D-dimer levels when assessing the risk of preoperative DVT in ankle fracture patients. The identified threshold may aid in stratifying patients for appropriate prophylactic measures.

Conclusion

D-dimer levels are associated with preoperative DVT risk in ankle fracture patients.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Surgery, 2026 -- Diagnostic value of D-dimer in screening for deep vein thrombosis after total joint arthroplasty: a meta-analysis
  2. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 2019 -- Impact of Early Mobilization on Deep Venous Thrombosis Incidence Following Achilles Tendon Rupture: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
  3. conexiant, 2023 -- Rethinking D-Dimer with Age in Mind
  4. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of ankle pump exercise combined with anticoagulant therapy for the prevention of post-operative lower extremity deep vein thrombosis
  5. NICE, 2023 -- Recommendations | Venous thromboembolic diseases: diagnosis, management and thrombophilia testing
  6. PubMed, 2025 -- The risk prediction models for deep venous thrombosis in perioperative patients with lower limb fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  7. Frontiers, 2026 -- Nonlinear Relationship and Threshold Effect of D-dimer on Preoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Ankle Fractures: A Retrospective Study
  8. Recommendations | Venous thromboembolic diseases: diagnosis, management and thrombophilia testing | Guidance | NICE
  9. The risk prediction models for deep venous thrombosis in perioperative patients with lower limb fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
  10. Frontiers | Nonlinear Relationship and Threshold Effect of D-dimer on Preoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Ankle Fractures: A Retrospective Study

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