Aspirin Alone Prevented Clots After Joint Replacement

A large randomized trial found low-dose aspirin matched a rivaroxaban-first regimen for standard-risk patients after hip or knee replacement.

For many patients at standard risk of blood clots, taking 81 mg of aspirin alone after hip or knee replacement may prevent symptomatic venous thromboembolism as effectively as beginning with five days of rivaroxaban and then switching to aspirin. Bleeding rates were also similar.

The findings could simplify recovery and reduce medication costs, but they …