An Orthopedic Surgeon in Crestview area doesn’t just treat problems with the skeletal system. They also work with their surgical patients who have or who have a risk for DVT, or deep vein thrombosis. This is a dangerous condition within the veins that can result in a blood clot, which is called a thrombus. If a blood clot reaches the lungs, it’s called a pulmonary embolism. It can block blood flow and it can be fatal.
After any kind of surgery, but especially after a procedure on the hip, knee, ankle, or leg bones, when a patient is laid up in bed and their leg mobility is limited, they have a greater chance of developing a thrombus. It’s important for the Orthopedic Surgeon in Crestview, FL area to educate the patient beforehand so they know how to prevent it.
We naturally have anti-coagulants in our blood that prevent our blood from coagulating, or thickening, and blood clots. However, after surgery, particularly after a joint replacement surgery, there are several reasons a patient is at greater risk for developing blood clots. The patient will be spending more time in bed and not moving. If the patient had surgery on the lower extremities, it’s more difficult and painful to change position, stand up, move a little, and get the circulation moving. During surgery, body tissues like collagen and fats can get introduced into the blood stream, and these naturally thicken the blood. Veins can accidentally get damaged during the surgery, and when this happens, the body naturally wants to heal the vein by releasing coagulants to keep the wound in the vein from bleeding out. Unfortunately, these substances can also thicken the blood around the site and cause a blood clot.
Because so many patients who have DVT show no symptoms at all, the Orthopedic Surgeon may prescribe anti-coagulants for the patient to take before the surgery and again at home while recovering. The doctor may have the patient wear compression stockings to promote circulation in the legs. The doctor may also recommend that the patient begins rehabilitation immediately upon recovery. The sooner the patient gets moving, the lesser the chance they have of developing and embolism.
For more information click here!
