[Effectiveness of subcutaneous heparin in the prevention of thrombo-embolism after major hip operations (author's transl)].

Low doses of heparin were administered subcutaneously to 103 patients starting the evening before major hip operations, while a further 95 were given calcium heparinate, starting the night after operation in conventional high doses. No anticoagulants were given to 27 patients who served as controls. In none of the patients given anticoagulants was there an increased incidence of postoperative wound complications. But the rate of thrombo-embolism was significantly reduced among those on conventional high doses of heparin. The rate of thromboembolism was also reduced among those on the lower dosage (compared with the control subjects), but this form of prophylaxis was not as effective for patients especially at risk.