What is the difference between Caprini score and Padua score for VTE?

Caprini is for SURGICAL patients; Padua is for MEDICAL (non-surgical) inpatients. Using the wrong tool for the wrong population may underestimate or overestimate VTE risk. Caprini has more granular risk factor stratification (40+ factors, 4 point tiers) while Padua uses 11 binary factors. Always confirm the clinical context (surgical vs. medical) before choosing the model.

What is LMWH and what is the prophylactic dosing?

LMWH stands for low molecular weight heparin. Common agents: enoxaparin (Lovenox) — most widely used, dalteparin (Fragmin), tinzaparin (Innohep). Prophylactic dosing: enoxaparin 40 mg SQ once daily (standard prophylactic dose for most surgical patients); or enoxaparin 30 mg SQ twice daily (for some orthopedic protocols). Renal dose adjustment required for CrCl <30 mL/min: enoxaparin 20–30 mg daily. For extreme obesity (BMI ≥40), consider weight-based dosing (enoxaparin 0.5 mg/kg daily or 0.5 mg/kg q12h) — standard 40 mg dose may be inadequate. Do NOT use LMWH therapeutic dose (enoxaparin 1 mg/kg q12h) for prophylaxis.

What is mechanical VTE prevention and when should it be used?

Mechanical VTE prevention uses external compression to augment venous return from the lower extremities, reducing venous stasis: (1) Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices/boots — most effective mechanical method, reduces VTE risk by approximately 60%; should be started intraoperatively and continued until patient is ambulatory. (2) Graduated compression stockings (GCS) — less effective than IPC alone; sometimes combined with IPC or used when IPC is not tolerated. IPC is appropriate for ALL surgical patients (regardless of Caprini score) and is the only option when anticoagulation is contraindicated. Contraindications to IPC: confirmed/suspected DVT in the leg, severe peripheral arterial disease, recent skin graft over the area.

Should I stop birth control pills before surgery?

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) containing estrogen increase VTE risk 3–4× and are a Caprini risk factor. For major elective surgery (Caprini ≥3), ACCP and ACOG recommend stopping COCs 4 weeks before surgery when feasible, to reduce the estrogen-mediated procoagulant effect. Bridge to progestin-only contraception or barrier methods during the 4-week hold period. Progestin-only contraceptives, hormonal IUDs, and copper IUDs do not require stopping before surgery. For emergency surgery or low-Caprini procedures, individualize — the VTE risk reduction from stopping COCs may not outweigh the risk of unintended pregnancy in all patients.

What is the VTE risk after plastic surgery?

Plastic and reconstructive surgery has historically been underestimated as a high VTE risk specialty. The Caprini score was originally developed in plastic surgery patients, precisely because clinical gestalt was failing to identify high-risk cosmetic surgery patients. DVT and PE are leading causes of mortality after abdominoplasty, massive weight loss body contouring, and combined procedures. Studies show VTE rates of 2–9% after major body contouring surgery without chemoprophylaxis. Caprini ≥7 or ≥8 is frequently the institutional threshold for mandatory LMWH in plastic surgery. Always complete a Caprini assessment before any body contouring or major reconstructive procedure.

What is the Caprini score interpretation for moderate risk (3–4)?

Caprini 3–4 (moderate risk) is associated with approximately 3% VTE risk without pharmacoprophylaxis. ACCP recommends LMWH/UFH plus intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) for moderate-risk surgical patients (Grade 2B). Many institutions start enoxaparin 40 mg SQ once daily within 12–24 hours post-operatively for moderate-risk patients. For patients with significant bleeding risk who cannot receive anticoagulation, IPC alone is recommended as an alternative. Reassess at discharge — additional risk factors accumulated during hospitalization may push the patient to high risk for extended prophylaxis consideration.

How does Caprini scoring guide orthopedic VTE prophylaxis in hip fracture surgery?

Hip fracture surgery is assigned 5 points in the Caprini model (highest tier), immediately placing the patient in the high/highest risk category. ACCP recommends 35 days of extended LMWH or fondaparinux prophylaxis after hip fracture surgery. In patients where LMWH is contraindicated or not tolerated, aspirin is a ACCP-accepted alternative (Grade 1B). IPC must be used intraoperatively and post-operatively until anticoagulation is initiated. Hip fracture patients often have concurrent high-risk factors (age ≥75, prior VTE, immobility) that further elevate Caprini scores well above 5. Coordinate LMWH timing with neuraxial anesthesia per ASRA guidelines (12-hour gap before and after spinal/epidural).

What is a Caprini high risk score and how should it be managed?

Caprini ≥5 is classified as high to highest risk. Management: (1) IPC boots — start before skin incision and continue until the patient is ambulatory. (2) LMWH (enoxaparin 40 mg SQ daily) — start 12–24 hours post-operatively once hemostasis confirmed. (3) Extended prophylaxis (28 days) — for cancer surgery, hip/knee arthroplasty, hip fracture. (4) Pre-operative counseling — stop combined hormonal contraceptives 4 weeks before surgery if feasible. (5) Early mobilization — encourage ambulation starting day 1 post-op.

Online Medical Tools — Caprini Score

Printed on 9/2/2026

For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.

Surgery

Caprini Score

The Caprini score is a commonly used risk assessment model for postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). It assigns weighted points to patient risk factors and stratifies risk to inform thromboprophylaxis planning.

Formula: Caprini score = age points + (1 x count of 1-point factors) + (2 x count of 2-point factors) + (3 x count of 3-point factors) + (5 x count of 5-point factors).

Age Group

Additional 1-point factors

Number of 2-point factors

Number of 3-point factors

Number of 5-point factors

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How It Works

Score more than 40 individual risk factors across four point tiers

The Caprini score is more complex than Padua or other medical VTE tools because it was designed for the nuanced risk landscape of surgical patients. Systematically assess all four tiers: 1-point factors (awarded for: age 41–60 years, minor surgery planned, prior major surgery <1 month, varicose veins, current swollen legs, obesity [BMI >25], small vessel disease, MI, congestive heart failure, sepsis <1 month, serious lung disease, on oral contraceptives/HRT, history of unexplained stillbirth or 3+ spontaneous abortions, medical patient currently at bed rest, BMI >25); 2-point factors (age 61–74 years, major surgery >45 min, arthroscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery >45 min, malignancy present or previously, central venous access, confined to bed >72 hours, immobilizing cast <1 month); 3-point factors (age ≥75 years, DVT/PE history, family history of thrombosis, Factor V Leiden, prothrombin 20210A, lupus anticoagulant/anticardiolipin antibody, elevated serum homocysteine, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, elevated anti-thrombin III); 5-point factors (stroke <1 month, elective major arthroplasty [hip/knee], hip/pelvis/leg fracture <1 month, acute spinal cord injury <1 month, multiple trauma <1 month).

Sum all qualifying factors to generate the Caprini score

Add the point values for all qualifying risk factors. There is no upper limit — complex patients with multiple high-point factors can easily score 10 or higher. Common Caprini score categories and associated VTE risk: 0 points (very low risk, ~0.5% VTE); 1–2 points (low risk, ~1.5%); 3–4 points (moderate risk, ~3%); 5–6 points (high risk, ~6%); 7–8 points (high risk, ~6–8%); ≥9 points (highest risk, up to 6–8% proximal DVT or PE without prophylaxis). These estimates are from the original Caprini plastic surgery validation dataset and may differ for other surgical specialties.

Select prophylaxis strategy based on risk tier and bleeding risk

Translate Caprini score into a prophylaxis recommendation, always balanced against the patient's bleeding risk: Score 0 (very low risk): early ambulation only, no pharmacologic prophylaxis. Score 1–2 (low risk): ambulation + consider mechanical prophylaxis (graduated compression stockings or IPC); pharmacologic prophylaxis optional. Score 3–4 (moderate risk): LMWH or UFH + mechanical prophylaxis (IPC stockings); start within 12–24 hours post-op unless bleeding risk is high. Score ≥5 (high/highest risk): LMWH/UFH + mechanical prophylaxis; consider extended prophylaxis (4 weeks post-discharge) for high-risk abdominal/pelvic cancer surgery and hip/knee arthroplasty. Always initiate mechanical prophylaxis (IPC boots) intraoperatively in virtually all surgical patients regardless of score. Reassess the score at discharge for extended prophylaxis decisions.

Who Uses the Caprini Score

General and Abdominal Surgery VTE Prophylaxis Planning

General surgeons, colorectal surgeons, hepatobiliary surgeons

Caprini score drives perioperative VTE prophylaxis decisions for the full spectrum of abdominal surgery, from laparoscopic cholecystectomy (typically low Caprini) to open cancer resections (often Caprini ≥7). ACCP guidelines recommend Caprini-based risk stratification for all non-orthopedic surgical patients. High Caprini scores (≥5) in cancer surgery patients justify extended post-discharge pharmacologic prophylaxis with LMWH for 28 days, which reduces VTE by approximately 60% (ENOXACAN II, FAME studies). Review Caprini score in tumor board and pre-operative planning meetings for complex oncologic cases.

Plastic Surgery VTE Risk Assessment

Plastic surgeons, aesthetic surgeons, reconstructive surgeons

The Caprini score was originally developed and validated specifically in plastic surgery patients by Dr. Joseph Caprini, and this remains its best-validated context. DVT is a leading cause of mortality after abdominoplasty, body contouring, and major reconstructive surgery. Caprini stratification in plastic surgery is especially critical because many patients are young and healthy in other respects, making systematic scoring (rather than clinical gestalt) essential for identifying high-risk cases. Combine Caprini score with chemoprophylaxis protocol — many centers use a Caprini ≥7 or ≥8 threshold for mandating LMWH prophylaxis after cosmetic/reconstructive procedures.

Orthopedic Surgery VTE Prophylaxis (Hip/Knee Arthroplasty)

Orthopedic surgeons, joint replacement surgeons

Hip and knee arthroplasty are assigned 5 points each in the Caprini model, immediately placing most arthroplasty patients in the high or highest risk category. Extended prophylaxis for 28–35 days post-arthroplasty is recommended by ACCP for total hip and total knee replacement. The Caprini score helps individualize this further — patients with Caprini ≥7 or additional thrombophilia risk factors may warrant extended LMWH over aspirin alone, while very low additional risk patients (Caprini 5–6) may be managed with extended aspirin. Coordinate with neuraxial anesthesia anticoagulation timing per ASRA guidelines (12-hour gap for LMWH before and after neuraxial).

Pre-Operative Counseling and Informed Consent for VTE Risk

Surgeons, pre-operative nurses, perioperative clinicians

Caprini score provides a quantitative foundation for patient counseling about DVT and PE risk before surgery. Patients often underestimate surgical VTE risk — a Caprini ≥7 patient faces a 6–8% risk of symptomatic VTE without prophylaxis. This context motivates patient adherence to compression stockings, early ambulation, and extended LMWH injections post-discharge. Counseling should also address hormonal contraceptive management: patients on combined oral contraceptives or HRT should be counseled to discontinue 4 weeks before major elective surgery.

Cancer Surgery Extended Post-Discharge VTE Prophylaxis

Oncological surgeons, oncologists, surgical APPs

Patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery for malignancy are at the highest surgical VTE risk — roughly 20–30× greater than the general population. The ACCP Antithrombotic Therapy Guidelines (Gould et al., Chest 2012) and ASCO/SSO guidelines strongly recommend extended prophylaxis (28 days post-operatively) with LMWH for high-Caprini cancer surgery patients. Caprini score ≥5 in cancer surgery patients is the typical threshold for prescribing enoxaparin 40 mg daily for 28 days post-discharge. The ENOXACAN II trial demonstrated a 60% relative reduction in VTE with extended prophylaxis versus in-hospital prophylaxis alone.

Pro Tips

Caprini is for SURGICAL patients — Padua is for MEDICAL patients

The most important distinction in surgical vs. medical VTE prophylaxis is which risk assessment model to use. Caprini was developed and validated in surgical patients and is recommended by ACCP for non-orthopedic surgical VTE risk stratification. The Padua Prediction Score was developed and validated in medical inpatients and should be used for non-surgical patients. Using Caprini in a medical patient or Padua in a surgical patient is methodologically incorrect and may lead to inappropriate prophylaxis decisions. Confirm the clinical context (surgical vs. medical) before choosing the model.

Caprini ≥5 = high risk — consider extended 28-day post-discharge prophylaxis

Patients with Caprini ≥5 undergoing abdominal or pelvic cancer surgery should receive extended LMWH prophylaxis for 28 days post-operatively, not just during hospital admission. ACCP Level 1B recommendation (Gould et al., Chest 2012). The ENOXACAN II trial (Bergqvist, NEJM 2002) demonstrated a 60% reduction in VTE with 1-month versus in-hospital-only enoxaparin in colorectal cancer surgery patients. Discuss extended prophylaxis prescriptions pre-operatively so patients are prepared to self-inject or have assistance after discharge.

Always start mechanical prophylaxis (IPC boots) intraoperatively

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) boots should be applied and activated before skin incision and maintained throughout the intraoperative and early post-operative period in virtually all surgical patients, regardless of Caprini score or bleeding risk. IPC reduces VTE by approximately 60% and has no bleeding risk. This is ACCP Grade 1B for intermediate and high-risk patients, and Grade 2C for low-risk patients. The only contraindications to IPC are known or suspected DVT (acute clot in the leg), severe peripheral arterial disease, or recent skin graft over the application area.

Hormonal contraceptives and HRT are Caprini risk factors — counsel before surgery

Combined oral contraceptives (containing estrogen) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase VTE risk 3–4× and are included as 1-point Caprini risk factors. For major elective surgery with Caprini ≥3, patients should ideally stop combined hormonal contraceptives 4 weeks before surgery (per ACOG and ACCP guidance). Alternative contraception must be provided during this period. Progestin-only contraceptives (mini-pill, Depo-Provera, Mirena IUD) do not significantly increase VTE risk and do not need to be stopped. Document hormone use in the pre-operative assessment.

Assess bleeding risk before prescribing anticoagulant prophylaxis

Pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis must be balanced against bleeding risk. High bleeding-risk scenarios where anticoagulation may be deferred: neurosurgery (intracranial or spinal), ophthalmologic surgery, major joint arthroplasty with neuraxial anesthesia (timing constraints), open prostatectomy, and any surgery in a patient with active bleeding, severe thrombocytopenia, or recent major hemorrhage. In these cases, rely on mechanical prophylaxis (IPC boots) until anticoagulation can be safely initiated. The ACCP recommends mechanical prophylaxis alone when pharmacologic prophylaxis is contraindicated, rather than no prophylaxis.

Thrombophilia workup is NOT required before Caprini scoring

Thrombophilia testing (Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, antiphospholipid antibodies, protein C/S deficiency) is included in the Caprini model as 3-point factors when results are known. However, routine pre-operative thrombophilia workup is NOT recommended just to complete the Caprini score — score only what is already known from the patient's history and prior testing. Ordering thrombophilia panels on all surgical patients is costly, delays surgery, and is not supported by evidence. If a patient has a known personal or family history of VTE, perform targeted thrombophilia testing as part of hematology workup, but not as a routine Caprini scoring prerequisite.

Neuraxial anesthesia timing with LMWH — follow ASRA guidelines strictly

Epidural and spinal anesthesia require specific intervals before and after LMWH dosing to prevent epidural hematoma. Per ASRA (American Society of Regional Anesthesia) 2018 guidelines: LMWH prophylactic dose (enoxaparin 40 mg daily): wait ≥12 hours after last dose before neuraxial placement; resume LMWH ≥12 hours after neuraxial catheter removal. LMWH therapeutic dose: wait ≥24 hours. Violation of these intervals is the primary cause of epidural hematoma — a catastrophic complication with high rates of permanent paraplegia. Coordinate LMWH timing explicitly with the anesthesia team in all patients receiving neuraxial blocks.

Caprini ≥5 does NOT mean patient cannot have outpatient or ambulatory surgery

High Caprini score in ambulatory surgery patients informs prophylaxis planning but does not automatically mandate hospital admission. Many high-Caprini ambulatory patients can be safely managed with: extended-use sequential compression device (portable home IPC device), enoxaparin prescribed for post-discharge administration, patient education on early ambulation, and telephonic or clinic follow-up at 2 weeks. Outpatient thromboprophylaxis prescribing has been shown to reduce VTE without increasing bleeding in plastic surgery and general surgery outpatient populations. Document the Caprini score in the operative note and ensure outpatient VTE prescriptions are provided before discharge.

The 5-point factors represent the highest VTE risk — treat them as automatic high-risk triggers

The five 5-point Caprini factors represent the highest individual VTE risk scenarios: stroke within 1 month, elective major arthroplasty (hip or knee replacement), hip/pelvis/leg fracture within 1 month, acute spinal cord injury within 1 month, and multiple trauma within 1 month. A single 5-point factor immediately places the patient in the high/highest risk category (Caprini ≥5), mandating LMWH + mechanical prophylaxis. Any patient with one or more of these factors should be flagged for aggressive VTE prophylaxis planning before surgery.

Caprini score should be reassessed at discharge for extended prophylaxis decisions

Pre-operative Caprini scoring guides intra-operative and in-hospital prophylaxis. At discharge, reassess the score incorporating any new risk factors that developed during hospitalization: prolonged bed rest (new 2-point factor), post-operative infection/sepsis (new 1-point factor), central venous catheter placement (new 2-point factor), or immobilizing cast (new 2-point factor). Post-operative Caprini recalculation may justify extended prophylaxis in patients who were initially moderate risk pre-operatively. Document both pre-operative and post-operative Caprini scores when prescribing extended prophylaxis.

Common Questions About Your Results

This is the most common clinical dilemma in surgical VTE prophylaxis. When both VTE risk (Caprini ≥5) and bleeding risk are high, individualize the decision: (1) Start with mechanical prophylaxis (IPC boots) intraoperatively and continue post-operatively — this is always safe and has no bleeding risk. (2) Assess when bleeding risk decreases enough to add pharmacologic prophylaxis. For most patients, LMWH can be started 12–24 hours post-operatively once hemostasis is confirmed. (3) For very high bleeding risk surgeries (intracranial, spinal, intraocular), continue IPC alone until bleed risk significantly decreases (typically 24–48 hours post-op minimum, sometimes longer). (4) Consider consultation with hematology for patients with severe thrombophilia and very high bleeding risk. Never withhold ALL prophylaxis — IPC alone is always preferable to nothing.

Yes, though orthopedic surgery has its own specialty-specific VTE prophylaxis guidelines that are more detailed. Hip arthroplasty and knee arthroplasty each score 5 points on Caprini, immediately placing patients in the high-risk category. ACCP Antithrombotic Therapy Guidelines and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) both recommend extended prophylaxis (28–35 days) for arthroplasty patients. Caprini score helps individualize within this group — very high Caprini (≥9 due to thrombophilia or prior VTE) patients may prefer LMWH over aspirin for extended prophylaxis, while lower-Caprini arthroplasty patients may be appropriate for aspirin. Follow institutional orthopedic prophylaxis protocols and ASRA neuraxial anticoagulation timing guidelines.

Caprini guides pharmacoprophylaxis decisions but does not replace clinical judgment. Very low Caprini score (0) = early ambulation alone, no pharmacoprophylaxis needed. Low Caprini (1–2) = ambulation + consider mechanical prophylaxis; pharmacoprophylaxis optional. Moderate Caprini (3–4) = LMWH/UFH + IPC boots. High Caprini (≥5) = LMWH/UFH + IPC + consider extended prophylaxis. However, institutional protocols, surgical specialty guidelines (orthopedics, neurosurgery), and individual bleeding risk always override the standard Caprini-based recommendation. Pharmacoprophylaxis should NEVER be given intraoperatively — wait until 12–24 hours post-operatively once hemostasis is established.

The Padua Prediction Score and Caprini RAM are both VTE risk assessment models but are designed for different populations. Padua was developed in medical inpatients (not surgical patients) and uses 11 binary risk factors weighted 1–3 points, with a cutoff of ≥4 points for high risk. Caprini was developed in surgical patients and uses more than 40 risk factors across 4 point tiers (1, 2, 3, 5 points), with higher total scores reflecting greater granularity of surgical risk. Use Padua for medical inpatients (heart failure, stroke, cancer patients not undergoing surgery). Use Caprini for surgical patients. Applying Padua to surgical patients is methodologically incorrect and may underestimate VTE risk.

Yes. Laparoscopic surgery lasting >45 minutes scores 2 points in the Caprini model. This reflects the VTE risk from prolonged pneumoperitoneum (increased intraabdominal pressure reducing venous return from lower extremities) and the surgical stress response. However, laparoscopic procedures generally have lower VTE risk than equivalent open procedures due to shorter operative times and faster mobilization. The 2-point Caprini score for laparoscopic surgery >45 min should be added to other risk factors in the patient's profile to determine the final score and prophylaxis recommendation. Very short laparoscopic procedures (<30 minutes, e.g., diagnostic laparoscopy, short laparoscopic appendectomy) in low-risk patients may not require pharmacologic prophylaxis.

Evidence-Based Methodology

Caprini score was developed by Caprini et al. (Semin Thromb Hemost 2005) and validated in plastic/general surgery populations. ACCP Antithrombotic Therapy Guidelines (Gould et al., Chest 2012) recommend Caprini-based surgical VTE prophylaxis decision-making. Extended prophylaxis evidence from the ENOXACAN II trial (Bergqvist et al., NEJM 2002) in abdominal cancer surgery. The Rogers score is an alternative validated for general surgery patients (Rogers et al., J Am Coll Surg 2007). The 2018 American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) guidelines govern anticoagulant-neuraxial timing.

Clinical Content Trust

Last reviewed:: April 21, 2026
Guideline version:: General evidence framework v2026.04
Source set version:: Primary-source set v1

How to Interpret Your Result

Higher total scores indicate greater postoperative VTE risk and stronger indication for pharmacologic or extended prophylaxis depending on bleeding risk.

When to Use This Tool

Use Caprini scoring in perioperative planning, especially for inpatient and major surgery pathways where VTE prevention protocols are used.

Limitations

Risk-factor definitions vary across versions and institutions. Use this calculator with local protocols and formal guideline recommendations.

For related assessments, see Wells Score (DVT), RCRI Score and ASA Class.

Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.

Changelog

April 21, 2026 · trust-baseline
Clinical trust metadata enabled for this tool page with structured review/version fields.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Caprini score is a point-based VTE (venous thromboembolism) risk assessment model designed for surgical patients. It was developed by Dr. Joseph Caprini and assigns weighted points (1, 2, 3, or 5) to more than 40 individual patient risk factors for DVT and PE. The total score guides decisions about appropriate pharmacologic and mechanical VTE prophylaxis in the perioperative period. It is the most widely used surgical VTE risk assessment tool in North America.

Score each of the 40+ risk factors in the four point tiers: 1-point factors (age 41–60, minor surgery, varicose veins, obesity, oral contraceptives, etc.), 2-point factors (age 61–74, major surgery >45 min, malignancy, central venous access, etc.), 3-point factors (age ≥75, prior VTE, family VTE history, thrombophilia), 5-point factors (elective arthroplasty, hip fracture, stroke <1 month, spinal cord injury, multiple trauma). Sum all applicable factor points for the total Caprini score.

Caprini ≥5 (high/highest risk): LMWH (e.g., enoxaparin 40 mg SQ daily) + intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) boots, starting within 12–24 hours post-operatively once hemostasis is confirmed. For abdominal/pelvic cancer surgery patients with Caprini ≥5, ACCP recommends extended prophylaxis with LMWH for 28 days post-discharge. Start IPC intraoperatively in virtually all surgical patients regardless of score.

Without prophylaxis, DVT risk varies by procedure: minor surgery in ambulatory patients: ~0.5–1%; general surgery: ~15–40% by venography (most asymptomatic); major orthopedic surgery (hip/knee arthroplasty): ~40–60% by venography without prophylaxis; major trauma or spinal cord injury: up to 80% by venography. These venographic rates include asymptomatic DVTs; symptomatic, clinically detected DVT rates are lower (5–15% for general surgery, 20–30% for arthroplasty without prophylaxis). This underscores the importance of systematic Caprini scoring and prophylaxis.

Extended (post-discharge) prophylaxis — typically LMWH for 28 days after discharge — is recommended for: (1) Abdominal or pelvic surgery for malignancy with Caprini ≥5 (ACCP 1B recommendation). (2) Total hip arthroplasty (28–35 days, ACCP 1B). (3) Total knee arthroplasty (10–14 days minimum, up to 35 days, ACCP 1B). (4) Hip fracture surgery (28–35 days). For other high-Caprini surgeries, extended prophylaxis should be individualized based on clinical risk factors, bleeding risk, and patient preference.

Online Medical Tools — Caprini Score

Caprini Score

How It Works

Score more than 40 individual risk factors across four point tiers

Sum all qualifying factors to generate the Caprini score

Select prophylaxis strategy based on risk tier and bleeding risk

Who Uses the Caprini Score

General and Abdominal Surgery VTE Prophylaxis Planning

Plastic Surgery VTE Risk Assessment

Orthopedic Surgery VTE Prophylaxis (Hip/Knee Arthroplasty)

Pre-Operative Counseling and Informed Consent for VTE Risk

Cancer Surgery Extended Post-Discharge VTE Prophylaxis

Pro Tips

Caprini is for SURGICAL patients — Padua is for MEDICAL patients

Caprini ≥5 = high risk — consider extended 28-day post-discharge prophylaxis

Always start mechanical prophylaxis (IPC boots) intraoperatively

Hormonal contraceptives and HRT are Caprini risk factors — counsel before surgery

Assess bleeding risk before prescribing anticoagulant prophylaxis

Thrombophilia workup is NOT required before Caprini scoring

Neuraxial anesthesia timing with LMWH — follow ASRA guidelines strictly

Caprini ≥5 does NOT mean patient cannot have outpatient or ambulatory surgery

The 5-point factors represent the highest VTE risk — treat them as automatic high-risk triggers

Caprini score should be reassessed at discharge for extended prophylaxis decisions

Common Questions About Your Results

Evidence-Based Methodology

Clinical Content Trust

How to Interpret Your Result

When to Use This Tool

Limitations

Changelog

Related Tools

Wells Score (DVT)

RCRI Score

ASA Class

4T Score (HIT)

Further Reading

A Complete Guide to Surgical Medicine and Perioperative Care

Frequently Asked Questions