For hip arthroplasty, how long is pharmacologic DVT prophylaxis commonly continued?

• A. About 10–14 days.
• B. 3 weeks to 2 months.
• C. Indefinitely.
• D. Only 24 hours.

Answer: (A)

After hip arthroplasty, the risk of venous thromboembolism is highest in the early postoperative period, so pharmacologic prophylaxis is timed to cover that critical window while keeping bleeding risk reasonable. The standard practice is to continue pharmacologic DVT prophylaxis for about 10–14 days. This duration provides meaningful protection during the peak risk period without exposing patients to prolonged anticoagulation when the bleeding risk and healing progress have shifted. While some clinicians may extend prophylaxis longer in patients with higher VTE risk or lower bleeding risk, 10–14 days remains the typical duration. Shortening to 24 hours would miss the vulnerable window, and extending indefinitely isn’t standard due to bleeding concerns and uncertain long-term benefit.