A Comparison of Subcutaneous Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin with Warfarin Sodium for Prophylaxis against Deep-Vein Thrombosis after Hip or Knee Implantation

BACKGROUND: Deep-vein thrombosis is a potentially life-threatening complication of total hip or knee replacement. There are few data on the effectiveness and safety of warfarin as compared with low-molecular-weight heparin as prophylaxis against this problem. METHODS: We therefore performed a randomized, double-blind trial in 1436 patients to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of low-molecular-weight heparin (given subcutaneously once daily) …