Surgery may cause the blood to slow and coagulate in the veins of the patient's legs, creating a blood clot. This is why patients take blood thinners after surgery. If a clot occurs despite these measures, the patient may need to be admitted to the hospital to receive intravenous blood thinners. Prompt treatment usually prevents the more serious complication of pulmonary embolus.

• 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.

• Foot and ankle pumps
• Walking
• Compression stockings
• Blood thinners such as Coumadin® or Heparin

An unrecognized blood clot could break away from the vein and travel to the lungs. This is an emergency and you should CALL 911 if suspected.

• Sudden chest pain
• Difficult and/or rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Confusion

• Prevent blood clot in legs
• Recognize a blood clot in leg and call physician promptly

• Severe pain
• Rotation/shortening of leg
• Unable to walk/move leg

AT ALL TIMES
• DO NOT cross legs
• DO NOT twist side-to-side
• DO NOT bend at the hip past 90º