Data from a study published online in The Journal of Arthroplasty suggest that the use of factor Xa-inhibitors for prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after joint arthroplasty procedures may be associated with an increased likelihood of bleeding and complication. 

The authors retrospectively reviewed information on 59 consecutive patients (31 knees, 28 hips) at a single center, who had no previous history of VTE, bilateral procedures, or medical conditions already requiring VTE chemoprophylaxis. Overall, 27 patients (46 percent) were given aspirin for VTE prophylaxis and 32 patients (54 percent) received a factor-Xa inhibitor. There were no new VTE complications in either cohort. However, 6 patients (18.7 percent) in the Xa-inhibitor group had a postoperative bleeding/wound complication (4 delayed healing/blistering, 1 hematoma/excessive ecchymosis, 1 readmission for cellulitis), compared to zero bleeding/wound complications in the aspirin group. Learn more...