Are blood thinners necessary after knee replacement surgery?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a knee replacement soon, and I have interstitial lung disease caused by autoimmune dermatomyositis. I am in remission and doing good. After my knee replacement, I asked my doctor whether I would need to take blood thinners or aspirin. She said I would get a compression sleeve to use at home. Also, she does not believe in icing. So my question is: Is this the new norm? Most people I know who had knee or hip replacement took blood thinners or aspirin and had icing therapy. She is an excellent knee replacement surgeon, but I am worried about no aspirin or icing after my autoimmune disease.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, we usually give blood thinner in the post-operative management of total knee replacement. As far as my knowledge is concerned, these blood thinners are not contraindicated in dermatomyositis (unless a heart condition is associated). Ice can also be applied to the back surface of the knee. However, the best way forward would be to take an opinion from a Rheumatologist about post-operative care. Blood thinners can be avoided if you start out of the bed ambulation on the second day of surgery.