Post-Op Blood Clots
What They Are and Why They Can Be a Serious Complication
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After your surgery there may be risk factors that increase your chance of developing a blood clot. These include damage to a vein or the fact that your blood may be moving more slowly.
Though the risk of a blood clot after joint replacement is relatively low (about 3%, according to the National Blood Clot Alliance), your risk is the highest 2-10 days after your joint replacement. And you remain at risk for about 3 months post-op.
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What Are Blood Clots?
A blood clot is mass of blood that forms when platelets, proteins and cells in the blood stick together. Blood clotting is your body’s natural process to help prevent too much bleeding when a blood vessel is injured (such as during surgery).
Usually, these clots dissolve naturally after an injury heals. But clots can become a problem if they form on the inside of your blood vessels, particularly in the deep veins of your body.
Why They Can Be Serious
A blood clot that forms in your blood stream may end up stopping the flow of blood and oxygen, which can lead to damage to tissues and organs.
Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a clot that typically forms in a major leg vein (such as in the calf or thigh, though less commonly in the pelvis, arms or other areas). A DVT clot may dissolve on its own or, if more serious, cause pain, warmth and swelling in the affected leg. It can also break away and travel through your blood stream to your lungs—a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism (PE).
Clots can also cause damage to the valves or lining of your vein. This is called post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and can lead to long term swelling, pain and sores that do not heal.
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Know the Signs!
Even with a low risk, it’s important to stay on the lookout for signs of a dangerous blood clot after your joint replacement.
► See your doctor right away if:
You notice increased swelling, warmth, pain or tenderness, particularly in your ankle, calf or thigh.
► Call 911 if:
You experience these much more serious signs of a blood clot:
Be sure to tell the healthcare providers in the hospital emergency department that you recently had a hip or knee replacement.
Learn more about the early signs, prevention and treatment of blood clots after joint replacement surgery.
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