Glossary
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Quick answer
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the calf or thigh. The risk rises after knee surgery, leg injuries, immobilisation and long flights, and a clot can travel to the lungs, warns Doha knee surgeon Dr. Pablo Gelber, who plans clot prevention for patients at Aman Hospital.
What it is
Blood in the deep leg veins keeps moving because the calf muscles squeeze it back towards the heart. When you move less, after surgery, in a brace or cast, or sitting on a long flight, blood flow slows and a clot can form. Surgery and injury also make blood more likely to clot.
Other risk factors include a previous clot, some hormonal medications, pregnancy, cancer, obesity, smoking and certain inherited conditions.
Why it matters
A DVT can cause pain and swelling in the leg. The main danger is a pulmonary embolism, where part of the clot travels to the lungs. Seek emergency care straight away for sudden breathlessness, chest pain or coughing blood.
See a doctor the same day for calf pain, tenderness, warmth or swelling in one leg after knee surgery or injury, even if it seems mild.
Prevention and treatment
Before knee surgery your individual risk is assessed. Prevention may include early walking, calf exercises, compression stockings and, for some patients, blood-thinning medication for a set period. Expats flying home after surgery should discuss timing and precautions in advance. A suspected DVT is confirmed with an ultrasound scan and treated with anticoagulant medication.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after knee surgery can a DVT happen?
Most occur within the first few weeks, but the risk can persist for longer, particularly while mobility is reduced.
Can I fly after knee surgery?
Many people can, after discussing timing and clot prevention with their surgeon. Walking the aisle, calf exercises and staying hydrated help on the flight.
Related
