Hip replacement surgery is recommended for patients who suffer from intense hip pain due to arthritis. Arthritis causes the hip joint to deteriorate over time, which can result in pain and difficulty in performing everyday activities, such as walking, sitting and standing. Like any form of surgery, hip replacement can result in a variety of (chiefly temporary) conditions, one of which is the formation of blood clots that not only restrict blood flow but also can make their way to the circulatory system and cause a heart attack or stroke.
Significance
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), blood clots are one of the most common complications due to hip replacement surgery. Blood clots can form in the legs due to inactivity and restricted circulation. Blood clots in the legs are also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot forms in the leg's deep veins, such as the popliteal or femoral vein.
Symptoms
While blood clots often do not cause symptoms, they are sometimes associated with pain, swelling, red veins or veins that are warm to the touch. If a hip replacement patient notes any of these symptoms, he should seek immediate treatment to test for the presence of blood clots. Chest pain and shortness of breath are also associated with blood clots and should be observed as well.
Prevention
Following hip replacement surgery, a surgeon may recommend certain measures to prevent blood clots from forming. These measures include wearing support hose to boost circulation and stimulate blood flow or using inflatable leg coverings (also known as compression boots) to encourage blood flow.
The ankle pump is an at-home exercise that stimulates blood flow to prevent clotting. This exercise is performed by dangling the legs off a chair or bed and lifting the toes until the leg is straight or as high as the patient is able to lift it. Performing this exercise on alternating legs for two minutes at a time helps restore blood flow.
Medications
Doctors commonly prescribe blood thinners following surgery to reduce the chance that blood clots will occur. Common blood thinners include heparin and warfarin. Follow the instructions of your physician or pharmacist carefully when taking blood thinners and inform your physician of all medications you take in order to prevent dangerous drug interactions.
Recovery
The recovery time period following hip replacement surgery may vary on the approach used. (Minimally-invasive surgery can reduce the recovery period.) The age and physical health of the patient also influence the recovery period. However, as a rule, patients should not be afraid to put weight on the replaced hip joint or to regularly move the hip joint, which will help to keep it moving more easily. According to zimmer.com, patients are able to return to most activities, such as working, walking or driving a car, within four to six weeks after surgery.
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