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Abstract

In a randomised double-blind controlled trial 53 patients received 5 daily subcutaneous injections of ancrod ('Arvin') after operation for fractured neck of femur, and 52 patients received saline injections. Deep-vein thrombosis (D.V.T.) was detected by bilateral ascending venography or necropsy 6-16 days after surgery. The frequency of D.V.T. and bilateral D.V.T. was significantly lower in the ancrod group (P<0·01). The frequency of major D.V.T. (thrombi in veins proximal to the calf, or calf-vein thrombi more than 3 cm long) was also significantly lower in the ancrod group (P<0·001). No complications of ancrod prophylaxis occurred. Ancrod reduced plasmafibrinogen, and hence plasma and blood viscosity, during the first week after surgery; preoperative levels of fibrinogen and viscosity were not associated with postoperative D.V.T. Subcutaneous ancrod is a simple and effective alternative to oral anticoagulants for the reduction of the frequency of D.V.T. after operation for hip fracture, and merits assessment in other high-risk groups of patients.