Evaluation of Wound Drainage After Knee or Hip Arthroplasty

Evaluation of Wound Drainage Following Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) or Warfarin (Coumadin) for Post op Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Prophylaxis, After Knee or Hip Arthroplasty a Randomized Study.

To compare side effects and complications relating to use of warfarin or rivaroxaban, tolerance and/or toxicity of these two agents such as drop in hemoglobin post operatively, extent of bruising, quantity of wound drainage, duration of drainage, wound swelling, sub and supra-therapeutic prothrombin times, need for transfusion, and patient tolerance in two randomized groups. Return visits to the operating room, length of stay, and VTE rates will also be compared.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients over the age of 18 undergoing primary hip or knee replacement by Dr. Urquhart or Dr. Hallstrom.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a contraindication to pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis such as hemophilia, Plavix use, active bleeding or prior reaction to warfarin or rivaroxaban, nursing mothers, hepatic disease, GFR <30, use of more than 200mg of aspirin daily, and inability to continue medication or lab monitoring after hospital discharge known preoperatively.