Treatment Period (Day 7 ±2): At the baseline assessment on the day of surgery (Day 1) subjects who satisfied all inclusion/exclusion criteria were randomized (1:1) to receive either fondaparinux or placebo. All the subjects were to receive background therapy with IPC ±ES. The first administration of either fondaparinux 2.5mg or placebo was to take place 6 to 8 hours after surgical closure provided hemostasis was achieved. Thereafter a once daily subcutaneous injection of either fondaparinux 2.5mg or placebo was to be administered up to Day 7 ±2. During the treatment phase, subjects were assessed daily. A mandatory venogram was performed between Day 5 and 10 or earlier in the case of symptomatic VTE, but not more than 1 calendar day after the last study treatment administration.