Venous thromboembolism can occur in up to 84% of cases following total joint replacement. It can result in pain, swelling, chronic post-thrombotic syndrome, and pulmonary embolism. Its prevention is vital to the success of the surgery. To achieve a safe and effective prophylaxis, a combination of mechanical and pharmacologic agents should be used. New generation of thromboprophylactic agents target different factors of the coagulation pathway.
Keywords: arthroplasty, replacement, knee; arthroplasty, replacement, hip; postthrombotic syndrome; pulmonary embolism; venous thromboembolism.