Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists
  • Home
  • Our Doctors
    • Maurice Jové, M.D.
    • Nathan Jové, M.D.
    • Jeff Traub, M.D.
    • Brian Vanderhoof, D.O.
    • Physician Assistants >
      • Omid Midanaky, PA-C
      • Aidan O'Connor, MPH, PA-C
      • Elissa Ricker, PA-C
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        • Brian Pallone
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          • Meagan
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          • Cheryl
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        • Maurice Jové, M.D. >
          • Buffie
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          • Mayra
          • Makenzie
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          • Jennifer
          • Liz
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        • Jeff Traub, M.D. >
          • Andrea
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          • Rachael
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          • Lindsay
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          • Megan
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        • David
        • Rebecca
        • Carla
        • Oscar
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      • Emory Decatur Hospital
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    • What is an Orthopedic Doctor
    • Joint Replacement Center >
      • Arthritis Center >
        • Arthritis 101
      • Hip >
        • Anterior Hip Replacement
        • Total Hip Replacement
      • Knee >
        • Total Knee Replacement
        • Anterior Reference Knee Replacement
        • Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
        • Partial Knee Replacement
        • Patellofemoral Replacement
        • Tourniquet-less Knee Replacement
      • Shoulder >
        • Total Shoulder Replacement
        • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
      • Outpatient Joint Replacement Center
      • Metal Sensitivity and Nickel Allergy
      • Revision Surgery >
        • Revision Knee Replacement
        • Revision Hip Replacement Surgery
        • Metal on Metal Hip Problems
      • Infections >
        • Hip and Knee Replacement Infections
    • Sports Medicine Program >
      • Arthroscopic Surgery
      • Shoulder >
        • Rotator Cuff Tears
        • SLAP Tears
        • Labral Tears
      • Knee >
        • Meniscus Tears
        • ACL Tears
        • Patella (Kneecap) Instability
        • Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation
      • Foot and Ankle >
        • Ankle Sprains and Instability
        • Achilles Tendon Tears
      • Concussions
    • Regenerative Medicine >
      • Stem Cell Therapy
      • Cartilage Restoration
      • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections
      • Hyaluronic Gel Injections
    • EMG
    • Hip Fracture Center
    • Hand Surgery >
      • Carpal Tunnel Sydnrome
      • Cubittal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Trigger Finger
    • Fracture (Broken Bone) Center >
      • Distal Radius Fracture
      • Ankle Fractures
    • Blood Clots After Orthopedic Surgery
    • Learning Center
    • Home Therapy
    • Video
    • Orthopedic Survey Center >
      • Outpatient Total Joint Replacement Survey
      • Painful Knee Replacement Survey
      • Painful Hip Replacement Survey
      • Rotator Cuff Surgery Survey
      • Meniscus Tear Survey
      • Partial Knee Replacement Survey
    • FAQ
    • How to Prepare and What to Expect Knee Surgery
    • Blog
  • Español
  • Online Scheduling
  • Home
  • Our Doctors
    • Maurice Jové, M.D.
    • Nathan Jové, M.D.
    • Jeff Traub, M.D.
    • Brian Vanderhoof, D.O.
    • Physician Assistants >
      • Omid Midanaky, PA-C
      • Aidan O'Connor, MPH, PA-C
      • Elissa Ricker, PA-C
  • Locations
  • Appointments
    • Online Scheduling
    • Forms
    • Referrals
    • Independent Medical Examination
    • Telemedince and E-Visits >
      • E-Visit Scheduler
    • Saturday Clinic
    • What To Expect
    • Medical Tourism
  • Our Office
    • About Us
    • Social Media >
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • LinkedIN
      • Twitter
      • YouTube
    • Orthopedic Expert Witness
    • Conditions Treated
    • Payments
    • Bracing
    • Office Staff >
      • Office Manager >
        • Brian Pallone
      • Front Desk & Checkout >
        • Decatur
        • Loganville >
          • Meagan
        • Snellville >
          • Cheryl
      • Billing & Collections >
        • Maurice Jové, M.D. >
          • Buffie
        • Nathan Jové, M.D. >
          • Mayra
          • Makenzie
        • Jeff Traub, M.D. >
          • Jennifer
          • Liz
      • Scheduling >
        • Jeff Traub, M.D. >
          • Andrea
        • Maurice Jové, M.D. >
          • Rachael
        • Nathan Jové, M.D. >
          • Lindsay
        • Brian Vanderhoof, D.O. >
          • Megan
      • Radiology >
        • David
        • Rebecca
        • Carla
        • Oscar
      • Medical Records >
        • Team
    • Insurance
    • MRI
    • Medical Records >
      • Decatur
      • Loganville
      • Snellville
    • Prescription Refill Request >
      • Decatur
      • Loganville
    • Reviews
    • Affiliate Hospital Resources >
      • Emory Decatur Hospital
    • Marketing Internship
    • Job Opportunities
  • Patient Education
    • Coronavirus Update Page
    • What is an Orthopedic Doctor
    • Joint Replacement Center >
      • Arthritis Center >
        • Arthritis 101
      • Hip >
        • Anterior Hip Replacement
        • Total Hip Replacement
      • Knee >
        • Total Knee Replacement
        • Anterior Reference Knee Replacement
        • Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
        • Partial Knee Replacement
        • Patellofemoral Replacement
        • Tourniquet-less Knee Replacement
      • Shoulder >
        • Total Shoulder Replacement
        • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
      • Outpatient Joint Replacement Center
      • Metal Sensitivity and Nickel Allergy
      • Revision Surgery >
        • Revision Knee Replacement
        • Revision Hip Replacement Surgery
        • Metal on Metal Hip Problems
      • Infections >
        • Hip and Knee Replacement Infections
    • Sports Medicine Program >
      • Arthroscopic Surgery
      • Shoulder >
        • Rotator Cuff Tears
        • SLAP Tears
        • Labral Tears
      • Knee >
        • Meniscus Tears
        • ACL Tears
        • Patella (Kneecap) Instability
        • Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation
      • Foot and Ankle >
        • Ankle Sprains and Instability
        • Achilles Tendon Tears
      • Concussions
    • Regenerative Medicine >
      • Stem Cell Therapy
      • Cartilage Restoration
      • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections
      • Hyaluronic Gel Injections
    • EMG
    • Hip Fracture Center
    • Hand Surgery >
      • Carpal Tunnel Sydnrome
      • Cubittal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Trigger Finger
    • Fracture (Broken Bone) Center >
      • Distal Radius Fracture
      • Ankle Fractures
    • Blood Clots After Orthopedic Surgery
    • Learning Center
    • Home Therapy
    • Video
    • Orthopedic Survey Center >
      • Outpatient Total Joint Replacement Survey
      • Painful Knee Replacement Survey
      • Painful Hip Replacement Survey
      • Rotator Cuff Surgery Survey
      • Meniscus Tear Survey
      • Partial Knee Replacement Survey
    • FAQ
    • How to Prepare and What to Expect Knee Surgery
    • Blog
  • Español
  • Online Scheduling

Blood Clots after Orthopedic Surgery

What is a DVT (blood clot)?

What is a pulmonary embolus (PE)?

A DVT (blood clot) is when the veins in your body, which return the blood to the heart, clots off the vein and doesn't allow the blood to flow properly back to the heart.  By preventing blood from returning to the heart, the blood pools, usually in the lower extremity like the foot, ankle and calf then causes severe pain and swelling.  While a blood clot in itself usually is not a problem, it is the sequela of a blood clot, the pulmonary embolus, that can lead to breathing manifestations and even hospitalization.
A pulmonary embolus is when a blood clot travels to the lung.  When it arrives in the lung, it inhibits the proper exchange of oxygen in the lung by blocking blood flow.  When the blood is unable to be oxygenated, the body responds by increasing the rate of respiration which can lead to shortness of breath. 

Blood Clot Prevention is a #1 Priority

How do we prevent blood clots?

Blood clots after orthopedic surgery are more likely to occur after major procedures, like hip or knee replacements compared to arthroscopic procedures.  However, some surgeries still have increased risk factors for blood clots.  Patient based factors, listed below, can also predispose them to blood clots.
Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists is always reviewing the latest strategies, guidelines and recommendations from the America Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to ensure the best and most patient-specific appropriate care.
We routinely use aspirin and portable, wireless DVT pumps that compress the calf and/or foot to ensure appropriate vein blood flow to prevent clots.  While never guaranteed, our practice routinely has extremely low rates of clots due to early mobilization, proper prevention strategies and our pre-procedure identification process to ensure we never miss a risk factor.

Risk Factors for Blood Clots and Pulmonary Embolus

Diagnosis and Treatment of Blood Clots

  • Prior history of blood clot (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE)
    • this is the #1 risk factor
  • Oral Contraceptive (Birth Control)
  • Factor 5 Leiden
  • von Willebrands disease
  • Smoking
  • prolonged immobility of lower extremity
The diagnosis of a blood clot usually involves a clinical examination of the leg.  Unfortunately, we are unable to make the diagnosis over the phone as it requires the physician to perform an examination. 
When a blood clot is possible, we send patients for an urgent test called a Duplex Ultrasound, a non-invasive test, to make the diagnosis.  If the test is positive, stronger anticoagulants at higher doses are usually prescribed.
If shortness of breath is encountered, a CT scan may be ordered of the lungs to diagnose a pulmonary embolism.  Rarely and depdending on the severity of symptoms, hospitalization may be required to help properly oxygenate the lungs. 
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Picture
  • Prior blood clot or pulmonary embolus
    • the #1 predictor of having another clot
  • Factor 5 Leiden
  • Von Willdebrands disease
  • Venous Statsis
  • Extensive immobilization after surgery
  • Lower Extremity surgery
  • Oral Contraceptive Birth Control

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Office Hours

Mon-Fri: 9AM-5PM  


Telephone

Decatur                             404.296.5005
Loganville                         770.564.3393
Snellville                           770.985.9330

High School Football Season Added Coverage Hours

Saturdays During High School Football Season
Injury Clinic is for INJURED PLAYERS ONLY.
Snellville
ONLY.
9AM-10AM

MEDIA ROOM