Preventing Blood Clots - Surgical Guide to Right Anterior Total Hip Replacement

Blood clots rarely happen. After joint replacement surgery, clots called deep vein thromboses (DVT) sometimes form in the leg veins. In rare cases, clots can also form in the lungs, where they may cause additional symptoms.

To prevent and reduce the chance of blood clots, mechanical devices (foot or calf pumps) are used while you are in the Hospital. These squeeze the leg muscles to keep the blood flowing in the veins. You will also receive a medication to minimize clot formation.

For the first 6 weeks after your surgery, we recommend standing and walking briefly every 45 minutes to help reduce the risk of blood clots. If you develop persistent leg swelling with a painful calf that does not improve with elevation and other measures recommended by your team, please call your doctor’s office. If you develop difficulty breading, chest pain and or palpitations, please call your doctor and 911.