Simple, Hybrid Deep Venous Thrombosis/ Pulmonary Embolus Prophylaxis After Total Hip Arthroplasty

ABSTRACT: A 7.1% deep venous thrombosis rate followed total hip arthroplasty in 56 patients using a hybrid prophylactic regimen against deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus. There were no bleeding complications, no symptomatic pulmonary emboli, and no  unexplained deaths. The regimen consisted of an initial loading dose of warfarin, usually 10  mg, the night of surgery followed by 2.5 mg/day for 3 weeks, with dosage adjustments only in  cases of over-anticoagulation. This regimen was combined with elevated sling suspension of  the operative leg, bilateral pedal intermittent pneumatic compression devices, and early  mobilization. This prophylactic regimen is simple, inexpensive, efficacious, and compatible  with an early hospital discharge.