DVT prophylaxis after TKA: routine anticoagulation vs risk screening approach - a randomized study

673 patients undergoing primary or a staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (900 procedures) were randomized to receive thromboprophylactic treatment either based on their level of risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT), or according to a routine anticoagulation protocol. The purpose of this study was to compare these two protocols on the resulting incidence of deep vein thrombosis and wound complications. Results after 1 year indicated that the risk stratification group had a similar incidence of DVT and a significantly lower incidence of wound complications, when compared to the routine anticoagulation group.