Bailey JP, Kruger MP, Solano FX, Zajko AB, Rubash HE.
Prospective randomised trial of sequential compression devices vs. low-dose
warfarin for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in total hip arthroplasty
J Arthroplasty 1991;6 Suppl:S29-35

Joint Replacement Service, University of Pittsburgh, PA.

A prospective randomized trial compared the effectiveness of low-dose warfarin
(LDW) to sequential compression devices (SCD) for deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
prophylaxis in 95 patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients were 39
years of age or older, with no history of previous venous disease. Bilateral
lower-extremity venography was used for thrombi detection. Venous thrombi
occurred in 12 patients (all calf) on LDW (26.6%) and 3 patients with SCDs (one
calf, two thigh) (6.0%). The incidence of DVT was significantly higher in the LDW
group (P less than .006). In this study of average-risk patients, the use of SCDs
significantly outperformed LDW as a prophylactic agent. However, the thrombi that
did occur with SCDs were more critical.