Hip and Knee Replacement Patients Face Potentially Fatal Blood Clots

As the number of arthritis patients needing hip and knee replacements continues to soar, the awareness of a potentially fatal complication has never been greater. More than 700,000 primary total hip and knee replacements are performed each year in the United States. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, that number will rise to 3.5 million in 2030. Patients undergoing these procedures are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) unless they receive prophylaxis (treatment to prevent the problem). About 2-3% of patients undergoing total joint replacement develop symptoms associated with DVT or PE.

Oral medications (such as warfarin), injectable agents (such as heparin), and mechanical compression are among the ways that can help prevent blood clots associated with joint replacement surgery. There are also new oral agents in development that are being considered by the FDA. The treatment chosen is determined on an individual basis.

You should become mobile as soon as possible after surgery. It's important for you to understand the nature of the complication and the need for prophylaxis before and after surgery. Previous history of blood clots, family history of blood clots, and a genetic predisposition to blood clots increases your risk. Don't skip over this important subject prior to having surgery. Discuss your options with your surgeon.

Related Resources:

• What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
• What Is a Pulmonary Embolus?
• What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?
• Total Hip Replacement - Preventing Post-op Blood Clots
• How to Recover From Hip Replacement Surgery

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