Patient & Carer
Potential Complications
Infection
Infection is a serious complication. Patients will need to follow their surgeons‘ instructions after surgery to help prevent infections medication.
Signs of infection
- Increased swelling and redness at incision site.
- Change in color, amount, odor of drainage.
- Increased pain in knee.
- Body temperature greater than 100.5° F.
Prevention of infection
- Take proper care of incision as instructed by surgeon.
- Take prophylactic antibiotics when having dental work or other potentially contaminating procedures. This needs to be done for at least two years after surgery.
- Notify physician and dentist about a total joint replacement.
Blood Clots In Legs
Surgery may cause the blood to slow and thicken in the leg veins, potentially creating a blood clot. This is why patients take blood thinners after surgery. If a clot occurs despite these measures, patients may need to be admitted to the hospital to receive intravenous blood thinners. Prompt treatment usually prevents the more serious complication of pulmonary embolus.
Signs Of Blood Clots In Legs
- Swelling in thigh, calf or ankle that does not go down with elevation.
- Pain, heat and tenderness in calf, back of knee or groin area. NOTE: blood clots can form in either leg.
Preventing Blood Clots
- Foot and ankle pumps.
- Walking.
- Compression stockings.
- Blood thinners.
Pulmonary Embolus
An unrecognized blood clot could break away from the vein and travel to the lungs. This is an emergency and patients should CALL 911 if they suspect this is occurring.
Signs Of A Pulmonary Embolus
- Sudden chest pain.
- Difficult and/or rapid breathing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sweating.
- Confusion.
Prevention Of Pulmonary Embolus
- Prevent blood clot in legs.
- Recognize a blood clot in leg and call physician promptly.
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