Question 1

How common are blood clots after hip or knee replacement, and how dangerous are they?

Accepted Answer

DVT risk after hip/knee replacement is 1-3% WITH modern prevention (blood thinners, early walking, compression devices) - without prevention, risk was 15-30% historically - PE risk is 0.1-0.5%, with fatal PE very rare (less than 0.1% with modern prevention). RISK BY SURGERY TYPE: Hip replacement: 1-2% DVT, 0.2-0.4% PE | Knee replacement: 2-3% DVT, 0.1-0.3% PE | Hip fracture surgery: 3-5% DVT, 0.5-1% PE (higher risk due to older, sicker patients). Most DVTs are calf DVTs (below knee) which are less dangerous - thigh DVTs (above knee) have higher PE risk. PE SEVERITY: Small PE (10-20% of lung affected): Usually causes mild symptoms (slight shortness of breath), rarely life-threatening, treated with blood thinners | Large PE (30-50% of lung affected): Causes significant shortness of breath, chest pain, may require hospital admission | Massive PE (more than 50% of lung affected): Can cause shock, cardiac arrest, life-threatening - needs ICU treatment, clot removal. MORTALITY: Overall PE mortality 1-2% with treatment, 10-30% without treatment - this is why prevention so important.

Question 2

I'm taking blood thinners after my surgery - what should I watch out for, and when can I stop?

Accepted Answer

Blood thinners prevent clots but increase bleeding risk - watch for signs of bleeding (unusual bruising, nosebleeds, blood in urine/stool, prolonged bleeding from cuts) and follow your surgeon's instructions on duration (typically 2-6 weeks after hip/knee replacement, longer if you developed DVT). BLOOD THINNER OPTIONS AFTER SURGERY: Aspirin 100mg daily (low bleeding risk, easiest): Typical duration 4-6 weeks | Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) or apixaban (Eliquis) once-twice daily: Typical duration 2-6 weeks | Enoxaparin (Clexane) injections twice daily: Hospital discharge, switch to oral blood thinner | Warfarin with INR monitoring: Less common now, requires blood tests. BLEEDING PRECAUTIONS: Avoid contact sports and high fall-risk activities | Use electric razor (not blade) | Soft toothbrush | Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen (increases bleeding risk - paracetamol safer for pain) | Tell dentist/other doctors you're on blood thinners before procedures. WHEN TO STOP: Follow your surgeon's instructions - stopping too early increases clot risk, continuing too long increases bleeding risk - typical duration 2-6 weeks after uncomplicated surgery if no DVT developed | If DVT diagnosed: 3-6 months minimum (sometimes lifelong if recurrent clots). Don't stop blood thinners without discussing with your doctor first.

Question 3

What is post-thrombotic syndrome, and will I develop it after DVT?

Accepted Answer

Post-thrombotic syndrome is chronic leg swelling, heaviness, pain, and sometimes skin changes developing months-years after DVT, affecting 20-30% of DVT patients - risk reduced by wearing compression stockings for 6-12 months after DVT and staying active. POST-THROMBOTIC SYNDROME MECHANISM: DVT damages leg vein valves (normally prevent blood flowing backward) - damaged valves allow blood to pool in leg when standing, causing chronic swelling and symptoms - scar tissue from clot also narrows vein reducing blood flow. SYMPTOMS: Leg swelling (worse with standing, better with leg elevation) | Heaviness or aching in leg (worse end of day) | Skin changes (brown discoloration around ankle, dry itchy skin) | Varicose veins developing | Leg ulcers (severe cases 5-10%). RISK FACTORS: Extensive DVT (thigh or pelvic vein clots higher risk than calf DVT) | Recurrent DVT in same leg | Obesity | Not wearing compression stockings | Continued smoking. PREVENTION: Compression stockings (knee-high, 30-40 mmHg pressure) worn daily for 6-12 months - reduces post-thrombotic syndrome risk by 50% | Early walking and staying active | Maintaining healthy weight | Elevating legs when resting. TREATMENT IF DEVELOPS: Lifelong compression stockings, leg elevation, regular walking, weight loss - symptoms usually manageable but often persist long-term - severe cases (leg ulcers) may need vein procedures.

Medical Disclaimer

Blood Clots After Orthopaedic Surgery (DVT/PE)

📖What is Blood Clots After Orthopaedic Surgery (DVT/PE)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention