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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Published on: February 10, 2023
Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban for thromboprophylaxis following lower limb surgery: an update
Thomas Goff1, George Kontakis, Peter V Giannoudis
1Academic Unit of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Academic Unit, Clarendon Wing, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Great George Street, West Yorkshire, Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK.
Introduction:
Thromboprophylaxis in orthopedic surgery remains a controversial issue despite recent changes to NICE guidelines, particularly with the addition of oral factor Xa inhibitors. The healthcare burden of venous thromboembolism is substantial and needs frequent academic and clinical appraisal.
Areas Covered:
The authors review the available relevant literature on the use of rivaroxaban in orthopedic surgery, identified using an EMBASE (1980 - 2010) and Ovid MEDLINE (1950 - 2010) search of published articles up to August 2010. This includes clinical studies, case reports and experimental studies where applicable. Search terms include: 'rivaroxaban', 'safety', 'efficacy', 'bleeding', 'toxicity', 'tolerability' and 'complication'.
Expert Opinion:
Rivaroxaban is a safe and effective choice of thromboprophylactic agent following lower limb arthroplasty surgery. More research is required to expand the application of this novel agent to other areas of orthopedic surgery.
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