Rehabilitation nursing after lower limb fracture: Preventing deep vein thrombosis and enhancing quality of life

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the preventive role of rehabilitation nursing in the formation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs after fracture and its effect on the patient's quality of life. Ninety patients with lower limb fractures were randomly divided into a study group (n = 45) and a control group (n = 45). Patients in the control group received routine care postoperatively, whereas patients in the study group received rehabilitation nursing intervention on the same postoperative day. A follow-up examination was conducted after 3 months. The occurrence rate of lower limb DVT (LDVT) complications, hemorheology, quality of life (SF-36) scores, coagulation profile, and nursing satisfaction were compared between the groups. After the intervention, the study group presented with lower extremity DVT and higher hemorheology indices than those of the control group (P < .05). The SF-36 scores of both groups increased, but the increase in SF-36 scores in the study group was more significant (P < .001). The satisfaction level of the patients in the study group with nursing services was higher than that of the control group (P = .004). Coagulation indicators can be effectively adjusted and the occurrence of postoperative complications can be reduced in patients undergoing spine fracture surgery such as DVT via standardized rehabilitation care, thereby improving patients’ quality of life and nursing conditions.