Total Hip Replacement (THR) Quality Measures
Because of the body's normal response to surgery and the
reduction in activity that usually follows surgery, blood clot, or thrombus,
formation can be a common complication. A thrombus is a blood clot that blocks
a blood vessel and reduces blood flow. A thrombus can also dislodge and travel
to other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, or brain, causing serious
health problems.
Preventive or prophylactic steps can be taken to decrease
the chance of developing a blood clot (thrombosis). The Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) recommends that a venous
thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment be performed within 24 hours of admission
to the hospital or intensive care unit. Treatment options should be evaluated
for patients who are at high risk for a thrombus or VTE.
Effective venous thromboembolism
prevention options include blood thinning medications, early mobilization and
physical therapy, range-of-motion exercises, elastic stockings, and intermittent
pneumatic compression devices (The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, September, 2005: 87-A; 2097-2112).
At St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, one or more types of treatments, such as blood thinning medications, early mobilization and physical therapy, range-of-motion exercises, elastic stockings, and intermittent pneumatic compression devices are available for patients having total hip replacement to help prevent blood clots.