SIGNS OF INFECTION AND BLOOD CLOT PREVENTION FOLLOWING
SURGERY
Infection:
- Following arthroscopic and open surgery, keep a close watch on your incision site
for signs of infection. These include swelling, redness, and thick drainage from
the incision. Also note warmth of the incision area and any signs of an increased
temperature or chills.
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Note: It is normal to have an elevated temperature following surgery due to the
body’s healing response. However, if oral temperatures taken at home persist at or
above 101.5oF taken at least twice and at least an hour apart, call the office.
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It is also normal to have some seepage from the wound onto the bandage because
irrigation is used in the joint throughout surgery. The drainage should be
clear/light pink and watery. If it is yellow/green and thick, call the office.
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Prevent wound infections by keeping incision site clean and dry. Do not use
antibiotic creams or ointments. Do not swim until cleared by the doctor.
Blood Clots
- You may hear blood clots referred to as a DVT (deep vein thrombosis). While
these can occur in any population, they are more likely to occur following a
surgery.
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DVTs most commonly develop in the veins of the lower calf and spread up to the
thigh. If left untreated, the clot has the potential to travel and lodge in the lungs.
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Signs of a DVT include redness, warmth and swelling of the leg and sometimes a
“tight” feeling in the calf area.
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Ways to prevent DVTs include staying mobile, exercising the limb as
recommended by doctor, staying hydrated, regularly bending and straightening
your leg, ankle, and toes if cleared to do so by physician, wearing compression
stockings if at high risk or following a joint replacement, and avoiding long
periods of travel. Aspirin also may be recommended to thin the blood following
surgery.