Thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin after major orthopaedic surgery is cost effective.

The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the socioeconomic consequences of routine administration of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty, on the basis of data from a number of clinical studies. Despite the higher direct costs associated with LMWH, this regimen was more cost effective per thromboembolic complication prevented than no prophylaxis, dextran 70, or low dose unfractionated heparin. A sensitivity analysis was performed to address the outcome when the main factors in the economic analysis were changed; this had no significant effect on the conclusions of the study.