This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To examine the existing clinical evidence on the efficacy of prophylactic anticoagulation with direct factor Xa inhibitors versus low molecular weight heparins in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients who have undergone total hip or knee replacement or hip fracture repair. To examine the existing clinical evidence on the efficacy of prophylactic anticoagulation with direct factor Xa inhibitors versus vitamin K antagonists, in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients who have undergone total hip or knee replacement or hip fracture repair. To evaluate the existing clinical evidence on the risks including any adverse event (serious or not) of bleeding, skin necrosis, heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia or hepatopathy associated with the analyzed therapies, in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients who have undergone total hip or knee replacement or hip fracture repair.