Eileen, blood thinners are common after this type of injury because of NWB (most importantly, to avoid blood clotting). I was on it for 30-days, but my primary DR. Did not understand why the ER Dr. prescribe it for so long (typically, it is for 2 wks). However, the OS said the same thing, but he rather had me on it the time prescribe becauseI am NWB for 3-mo. He did not what me on blood thinners any longer that perscribed.