Outcomes of dalteparin use following total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective analysis

In this study, we assessed the clinical and economic consequences of using dalteparin as first-line prophylaxis for deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty. The objective of the study was to demonstrate that dalteparin can be used effectively and safely in this indication. Using data abstracted from medical records of patients admitted to an Oklahoma rehabilitation center following total knee arthroplasty, we found the occurrence of thromboembolic and bleeding events in patients receiving dalteparin to be low. Results of this study also suggest that use of dalteparin in this indication could offer rehabilitation hospitals a valuable source of cost savings, without compromising patient care.