Enoxaparin prophylaxis in elective hip surgery.

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of enoxaparin for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing elective hip surgery was performed. Prophylaxis, with enoxaparin in a dose of 30 mg subcutaneously twice daily, was begun post-operatively and continued for 14 days. Deep vein thrombosis occurred in 6 (12%) of 50 patients in the enoxaparin group and 21 (42%) of 50 patients in the placebo group (p = 0.0007). Proximal vein thrombosis occurred in two (4%) of the enoxaparin group and 10 (20%) of the placebo group (p = 0.014). Two patients in the placebo group and two in the enoxaparin group developed haemorrhagic complications. This study indicates that fixed-dose enoxaparin begun post-operatively is effective and safe for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing elective hip replacement.