THROMBOPROPHYLAXIS WITH LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT HEPARIN AFTER MAJOR ORTHOPEDIC-SURGERY IS COST-EFFECTIVE

The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the socioeconomic conse quences of routine administration of low molecular weight heparin (LMW H) 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 e ffective per thromboembolic complication prevented than no prophylaxis , dextran 70, or low dose unfractionated heparin. A sensitivity analys is was performed to address the outcome when the main factors in the e conomic analysis were changed; this had no significant effect on the c onclusions of the study.