ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban for prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with preoperative abnormal D-dimer after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MethodsBetween August and September 2013,60 consecutive patients with varus knee osteoarthritis undergoing unilateral TKA were enrolled in the study.According to the preoperative D-dimer level,the patients were divided into 2 groups:D-dimer normal group (control group,n=41) and D-dimer abnormal group (test group,n=19).No significant difference was found in gender,age,body mass index,and preoperative knee range of motion between 2 groups (P>0.05).All patients underwent conventional primary TKA and anticoagulation therapy with rivaroxaban to prevent DVT.The tourniquet use time,postoperative hospitalization time,and total hospitalization time were compared between 2 groups.At 1,3,and 5 days after operation,prothrombin time (PT),activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT),thrombin time (TT),fibrinogen (FIB),and D-dimer were measured.Wound complications and DVT were observed. ResultsThe postoperative hospitalization time of the test group was significantly longer than that of the control group (t=2.327,P=0.031),while the tourniquet use time and total hospitalization time showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05).All the patients were followed up 6-8 months (mean,7.2 months).Wound complications occurred in 3 cases (7.3%) of the control group and in 2 cases (10.5%) of the test group,showing no significant difference (χ2=0.175,P=0.676).Color ultrasonography showed no pulmonary embolism and DVT at 6 weeks after TKA.There were significant differences in PT,TT,and FIB between at pre- and post-TKA in the same group,but no significant difference was found between 2 groups.The APTT and D-dimer had significant differences between at pre- and post-TKA in the same group,and between groups.There was no significant interaction effect between time and group for each index. ConclusionPreoperative abnormal D-dimer level should not be regarded as a contraindication for TKA.The risks of DVT and wound complications in patients with abnormal D-dimer level are similar to patients with normal D-dimer level using rivaroxaban administration after TKA.It is unnecessary to conventional monitor D-dimer and other coagulation and hemorrhage laboratory tests in the patients after TKA.