Even with prophylaxis, hip arthroplasty patients carry an overall rate of DVT of 10% to 15% (proximal DVT 3% to 7%) as determined by routine venography at the time of discharge.

Anticoagulant prophylaxis is highly recommended in medical patients who are at risk of venous thromboembolism (including pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis), but is underutilized.

Most practicing orthopaedic surgeons currently use a pharmacologic agent as a means of prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism following total hip arthroplasty, total knee ...