Prevention

Continue prophylaxis for 4 to 6 weeks. ^a

Why?

• LMWH given for 4 to 6 weeks following hip or knee arthroplasty compared with in hospital reduces DVT occurrence but increases minor bleeding. ^a
• There is no clear difference in major bleeding, pulmonary embolism or mortality. ^a

Extended LMWH prophylaxis reduces DVT following total hip or knee replacement

Patient	Treatment	Comparison	Outcome	CER	OR	NNT (95% CI)
total hip or knee replacement a	LMWH for 4 to 6 weeks following surgery	LMWH in hospital	DVT at 4-6 weeks	2.7%	0.41 (0.24 to 0.68)	64 (49 to 120)
			minor bleeding at 4-6 weeks	2.6%	1.56 (1.08 to 2.26)	-71 (-490 to -32)