Total Knee Replacement Quality Indicators
Prevention of Venous Thromboembolic Disease
Complications after total knee replacement surgery—such as deep venous thrombosis (formation of a blood clot within a deep vein)—have been significantly reduced with the help of blood-thinning medication and treatments such as early mobilization, range-of-motion exercises, elastic stockings, and intermittent pneumatic compression devices. (Chest, September, 2004: 126 (3); 338S-400S; The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, June, 2001: 83-A(6); 900-906)
What steps does UVa take to prevent deep vein thrombosis in patients after total knee replacement?
At UVa, the following are administered to patients having total knee replacement to help prevent deep vein thrombosis: elastic stockings; anticoagulants; aspirin; intermittent pneumatic compression devices; and physical therapy.
