The research and application progress of plasma D-dimer in orthopedic trauma

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism is the common complication in perioperative orthopedic trauma patients. So far, the scientists have paid more attentions on biomarkers for the early diagnosis of venous thromboembolism. D-dimer is a specific degradation product of cross-linked fibrin clots and its presence in plasma is a biomarker indicating activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis, which can screen for the venous thromboembolism. Moreover, D-dimer is used to guide the anticoagulant therapy in perioperative orthopedic trauma patients and predict the extent of trauma. This review focuses on the development of orthopedic trauma and venous thromboembolism, the generation and detection of D-dimer, as well its clinical application in orthopedic trauma and the limitations. Key words: D-Dimer; Orthopedic trauma; Venous thromboembolism; Deep vein thrombosis; Pulmonary thromboembolism