How long do blood thinning medications need to be taken after joint replacement?
How long do blood thinning medications need to be taken after joint replacement? Joint replacement surgery is an effective treatment for severe arthritis. Most patients have a normal recovery following a joint replacement, but there are potential complications. One complication is the risk of developing blood clots after surgery. In order to prevent blood clots after hip replacement and knee replacement, a blood thinning medication, also called an anticoagulant, is given. How long do anticoagulants need to be taken to prevent a blood clot?Answer: The optimal length of time to take blood thinning medications has not been precise