Extended Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Comparing Rivaroxaban to Aspirin Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Inclusion Criteria: 1\. All patients undergoing elective total hip or knee arthroplasty at the participating institutions will be potentially eligible for this study Exclusion Criteria: 1. Hip or lower limb fracture in the previous three months 2. Metastatic cancer 3. Life expectancy less than 6 months 4. History of major bleeding that in the judgment of the investigator precludes use of anticoagulant prophylaxis 5. History of aspirin allergy, active peptic ulcer disease or gastritis that in judgment of investigator precludes use of aspirin 6. History of significant hepatic disease or any other condition that in the judgement of the investigator precludes the use of rivaroxaban 7. Creatinine clearance less than 30 ml per minute 8. Platelet count less than 100 x 109 /L 9. Need for long-term anticoagulation due to a preexisting co-morbid condition or due to the development of venous thromboembolism following surgery but prior to randomization 10. Did not or will not receive rivaroxaban post-operatively for VTE prophylaxis 11. Bilateral total hip arthroplasty or simultaneous hip and knee arthroplasty 12. Major surgical procedure within the previous three months 13. Requirement for major surgery post arthroplasty within 90 day period 14. Chronic daily aspirin use with dose greater than 100 mg a day 15. Women of child bearing potential who are not abstinent or do not use appropriate contraception throughout the study drug period 16. Geographical inaccessibility for follow-up 17. Unwilling or unable to give consent 18. Previous participation in the study 19. Concomitant use with drugs that are strong inhibitors or inducers of both P-gp and CYP3A4