ACL Reconstruction Guidebook (2.2MB) - Dartmouth-Hitchcock

14
Preventing Blood Clots
The prevention of blood clots in the
veins of your legs is an important part of
complete and safe post-operative care.
You are more likely to develop blood clots
after your surgery because you will be
resting, not active. There is an increased
risk of developing clots if your legs are
below the level of your heart.
To decrease the risk of forming a blood clot,
we strongly encourage you to:
1. Do the foot and ankle pump exercises,
like pushing and lifting away from the
accelerator in a motor vehicle
(see next page).
2. Use your leg within the guidelines we will
give you and participate in your personalized
physical therapy program.
3. Make sure your leg is elevated above
the level of your heart to encourage
blood return and prevent blood from
pooling in your legs. Elevating both legs
is often more comfortable.
4. Take your prescribed medication - adults
over age 18 will be prescribed an adult
strength (325 mg) aspirin tablet, once a
day for two weeks. As you become more
active and progress through your recovery
period, you will be at less risk for clots.
You can stop taking aspirin after the first
two weeks.
5. Avoid long periods of sitting still while you
are at home or while traveling during the
six weeks after your surgery. When you
ride in a motor vehicle, you should get
out every 30 minutes to stretch and have
an activity break. Do your ankle pumps
while riding. This guideline applies whether
you’re riding in a vehicle, bus, train, or
plane. It is best if you can try to avoid
sitting for too long during the first six
weeks after surgery.