TSA and Total Joint Replacement

Traveling after joint replacement

Many patients are eager to get back to their active lifestyles after completing a hip or knee replacement, and that's our goal, too. We encourage patients to stay active and enjoy their lives, and their new total joint replacement. With summer approaching though, there are a few things to consider when thinking about traveling.

In the first few months after a joint replacement, patients are at an increased risk for blood clots, also known as a DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Blood clots in your legs can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and can be fatal in some cases. Blood clots can form from the trauma that a surgery caused to the body, but they can also form due to the relative immobility of patients in the recovery process.

It's ok to fly or take long road trips after surgery, but here are some travel tips:

• Wear compression stockings while traveling
• Consider taking an 81mg Aspirin twice a day 
• Take breaks and walk regularly, either down airplane aisles or stop the car and get out
• Perform ankle and calf pumps
• Stay hydrated