Efficacy of fixed minidose warfarin prophylaxis in total hip replacement
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
M J Fordyce1, A S Baker, G E Staddon
1Winford Orthopaedic Hospital, Bristol.
Objective:
To determine whether a small fixed perioperative dose of warfarin would prevent deep vein thrombosis after total hip replacement.
Design:
Prospective, randomised, double blind placebo controlled trial.
Setting:
Winford Orthopaedic Hospital, Bristol.
Subjects:
148 patients having primary total hip replacement.
Intervention:
Warfarin 1 mg given daily for one week before and three weeks after surgery.
Main Outcome Measure:
Deep vein thrombosis diagnosed by the iodine-125 labelled fibrinogen uptake method.
Results:
Deep vein thrombosis occurred in 25 (34%) of the patients given warfarin and 19 (26%) of the controls (difference 8%; 95% confidence interval -6.8% to 22.8%).
Conclusion:
Fixed minidose warfarin does not prevent deep vein thrombosis after total hip replacement.
Related Concept Videos
Dosage Regimen: Fixed Dose
Fixed-dose regimens can be used for various routes of administration, including intravenous (IV) injections and oral medications. For IV administration, a predetermined amount of the drug is...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Dosage Regimens: Partial Pharmacokinetic Parameters
Dosage Regimen: Multiple Oral Dosage
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

