Effects of fondaparinux on wound drainage after total hip and knee arthroplasty

Abstract Background The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of fondaparinux on postoperative wound drainage, length of hospital stay (LOS) and rate of surgical site infection in total joint patients. Methods 117 patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty treated with fondaparinux for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis were prospectively studied. Results The average time to a dry wound was 3.4 days, with an average LOS of 3.77 days. Perioperative complications included 2 cases each of superficial cellulitis, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism; there were no cases of deep infection. Multi-variate analysis showed increased patient BMI increased LOS (p = 0.0169). Conclusion Fondaparinux is an effective drug for VTE prophylaxis in total joint arthroplasty with wound drainage and LOS comparable to historical controls of enoxaparin, warfarin, and rivaroxaban.