Utilization of the Caprini Score for Risk Stratification of the Arthroplasty Patient in the Prevention of Postoperative Venous Thrombosis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious and predictable complication following arthroplasty. It has been recognized that a strategy utilizing individualized anticoagulation choices based on patient risk stratification results in improved patient outcomes. A 2013 version of the Caprini Risk Score has previously been validated for use in total joint arthroplasty. A Caprini score of 10 or greater assesses the patient as “high risk” while 9 or less is considered “low risk.” Patients scored as “low risk” for postoperative VTE receive enteric coated aspirin 81 mg twice a day for 6 weeks. Patients scored as “high risk” for VTE are prescribed apixaban. This retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of the thromboprophylaxis treatment prescribed based on a standardized risk assessment protocol for the calendar year 2020. Patients having total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, revision total hip arthroplasty, revision total knee arthroplasty, or bilateral arthroplasties by 13 surgeons (N = 873) were reviewed. Patients were risk assessed using the Caprini Risk Score and thromboprophylaxis was prescribed based on the score obtained. The annual rate of VTE was 0.2%. The Caprini Risk Score is an effective approach to individualize thromboprophylaxis choices after total joint arthroplasty.