Harris WH, Athanasoulis CA, Waltman AC, Salzman EW.
Prophylaxis of deep-vein thrombosis after total hip replacement.
Dextran and external pneumatic compression compared with 1.2 or 0.3 gram of
aspirin daily.
J Bone Joint Surg Am 1985 Jan;67(1):57-62

The efficacy of three prophylactic regimens against deep venous thrombosis was
assessed in 135 patients who were more than thirty-nine years old and had a total
hip replacement. The three regimens were 1.2 grams of aspirin daily, 0.3 gram of
aspirin daily, and external pneumatic compression of the calf and thigh combined
with low-molecular-weight dextran that was given for three days, beginning during
the operation. In all patients, detection of fresh thrombi was by the
fibrinogen-uptake test, cuff-impedance plethysmography, and venography. New
venous thromboses developed in twenty-nine of forty-eight patients receiving 1.2
grams of aspirin and in twenty-six of forty-three receiving 0.3 gram of aspirin,
indicating that the lower dose of aspirin had no advantage. Thromboembolic
disease developed in only nine of forty-four patients who were on the regimen of
external compression and dextran. This combination was significantly better than
aspirin in both men and women. Dextran appeared to be associated with excessive
bleeding when given in doses of more than 500 milliliters during the operation,
but not when given in less than that amount.