ObjectivesTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of new oral anticoagulants (Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, or Dabigatran) after joint replacement.MethodsCNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, EMbase and The Cochrane Library databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on new oral anticoagulants after joint replacement from inception to October, 2019. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies, and then meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 13 RCTs were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared to Enoxaparin, the new oral anticoagulant significantly reduced the incidence of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (RR=0.60, 95%CI 0.46 to 0.78, P<0.000 1) and symptomatic DVT (RR=0.40, 95%CI 0.28 to 0.58, P<0.000 1), while the incidence of symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) during treatment (RR=0.91, 95%CI 0.59 to 1.39, P=0.65) and mortality (RR=1.00, 95%CI 0.40 to 1.76, P=0.99) were not reduced. Major bleeding (RR=1.05, 95%CI 0.81 to 1.35, P=0.72) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding events (RR=0.99, 95%CI 0.73 to 1.33, P=0.94) with new oral anticoagulants were not statistically different from Enoxaparin.ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that new oral anticoagulants can effectively reduce the incidence of DVT in patients after joint replacement without increasing the risk of adverse events such as bleeding. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are required to verify the above conclusions.