Prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis with low molecular weight heparin following hip and knee surgery

Objective To evaluate the efliciency and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in prophylaxis of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following hip and knee surgery. Methods 46 patients undergoing hip and knee orthopaedic procedures were randomized into 2 groups for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. One group were controled; another group received subcutaneously a low molecular weight heparin (Fraxiparine) with anti-factor Xa activity of 41 IU ?kg-1 ·day-1 for three days, then 62 IU · kg-1 ·day-1 from day 4 to day 10. All patients had venography performed in the operated leg 4-7 days after surgery. Results 8 patients ( 34. 8% ) developed DVT in the control group of 23 patients and 1 patient ( 4. 3% ) in the treatment group, also of 23 patients (P 0. 05). Two groups had no any bleeding complications . Conclusions: Our study confirms the safety and efficien of low molecular weight heparin in preventing postoperative deep vein thrombosis in patients following hip and knee surgery.