1. A high incidence (53.6 per cent) of venous thrombosis occurs after elective surgery of the hip.
2. The diagnosis of venous thrombosis by clinical signs and symptoms is far less sensitive than by venography.
3. Low molecular weight dextran has a marked protective effect against the occurrence of thromboembolism as demonstrated in a controlled study of 106 elective hip operations.
4. Low molecular weight dextran has been shown to be safe as well as effective.
5. The prophylactic administration of low molecular weight dextran is recommended for patients undergoing elective surgery of the hip.