Prediction of thromboembolism following total hip replacement

Obesity, edema in the legs before surgery, a history of deep venous thrombosis, varicose veins, and a diagnosis of osteoarthrosis were associated with an increased risk for postoperative thromboembolism. Selective administration of anticoagulants to high risk but not to low risk patients should result in a reduction in total mortality following surgery. It is therefore suggested that when deciding whether prophylactic anticoagulants should be administered to a patient, consideration should be given to that patient's likelihood of developing fatal pulmonary embolism if the anticoagulant is not given, compared to the potential reduction in his risk for fatal pulmonary embolism and the increase in risk for fatal bleeding complications if the anticoagulant is used.