Hidden blood loss after proximal femur fractures fixation: analysis of the first three postoperative days and influence of anticoagulants - Scorecard - MDSpire

Hidden blood loss after proximal femur fractures fixation: analysis of the first three postoperative days and influence of anticoagulants

  • By

  • Jorge Mayor

  • Marcel Winkelmann

  • Lea-Sophie Schwinn

  • Hür Özbek

  • Gökmen Aktas

  • Tarek Omar-Pacha

  • Swantje Oberthür

  • Rike-Herta Krammig

  • Axel Gänsslen

  • Stephan Sehmisch

  • Jan-Dierk Clausen

  • May 16, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Undetected Hemorrhage Following Fixation of Proximal Femur Fractures: Evaluation During the Initial Three Days Post-Surgery and the Role of Anticoagulant Therapy

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionProximal Femur Fractures
Key MechanismsHidden blood loss (HBL) due to intraoperative bleeding and postoperative complications.
Target PopulationElderly individuals aged ≥ 65 years with isolated proximal femur fractures.
Care SettingLevel I trauma center

Key Highlights

  • HBL often exceeds visible blood loss in proximal femur fracture surgeries.
  • Anticoagulant therapy is common among elderly patients and may influence perioperative blood loss.
  • Tranexamic acid administration can significantly reduce both external and hidden bleeding.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Assess hemoglobin levels preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate blood loss.

Management

  • Consider the impact of anticoagulant therapy on blood loss during surgical planning.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Monitor hemoglobin levels and signs of anemia in the postoperative period.

Risks

  • Increased risk of hidden blood loss in patients on anticoagulant therapy.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Elderly patients (mean age 81.2 years) with proximal femur fractures.

29.2% of patients were on anticoagulants, including apixaban, coumarins, and rivaroxaban.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Utilize methods for estimating blood loss, such as the Nadler formula.
  • Implement perioperative administration of tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding.

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