A top priority at Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina

DVT (Blood Clot) Prophylaxis

Even after routine arthroscopy there exists up to 20% incidence of DVT (blood clot). Despite this relatively high risk, few orthopaedic surgeons currently employ routine DVT prevention after knee arthroscopy. We at Orthopaedic Specialists of NC are committed to exceeding the current standard of care by providing you this information and treatment alternative. Click here to learn more 

DVT Risk Assessment

Only your doctor can decide whether you’re at risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), blood clots that can form in the deep veins of your legs. But, there are certain things that can put you at a higher risk for them. Take a moment to complete this form for yourself (or complete it for someone you love).

DVT Risk Assessment Form 

DVT - What you need to know about DVT and Air Travel

Medical papers have been published since the 1950s about a possible link between deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and air travel. However, it was the publicity surrounding 2 unexpected deaths from pulmonary embolism — a blood clot travelling from the legs to the lungs — after long-haul air travel in 2000 that sparked renewed interest in the issue and much public debate.

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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in Air Travelers

The problem of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after airline travel rises to public consciousness from time to time as the popular press report stories about healthy young travellers succumbing to the condition, or provide details of high profile cases going to court. Read more

Avoiding Blood Clotting Complications When Flying Long Distances Before Surgery

Patients travel from remote locations around the globe to Hospital for Special Surgery to be seen by our orthopedic specialists. Before receiving world-class care at the hospital, patients who travel by air in excess of 6-8 hours should be sure to take necessary precautions to avoid blood-clotting complications. Read more

DVT and Diet

There is very little conclusive research on the role of diet in preventing DVT. OSNC recommends maintaining a healthy diet (high in complex carbs, fruits, vegetables and low in fat) and limiting intake of red meat and leafy green vegetables like kale and collards. Additionally, though not supported by research, we suggest consuming the FDA recommended amount of vitamin K, but not exceeding or supplementing due to the role of vitamin K in helping blood to clot. Vitamin K is found abundantly in leafy green vegetables like kale and collards. Since we are not sure how effective diet is in preventing a clot, it is very important to make sure that you are following the recommendations of your doctor if you are having limited mobility due to injury or surgery.

References:
Cundiff, DK, et al. Diet as prophylaxis and treatment for venous thromboembolism. [http://www.tbiomed.com/content/7/1/31] Theoretical Biology and Medical Modelling, 2010, 7:31.

Mezzano D, Muñoz X, Martínez C, Cuevas A, Panes O, Aranda E, Guasch V, Strobel P, Muñoz B, Rodríguez S, Pereira J, Leighton F: Vegetarians and cardiovascular risk factors: hemostasis, inflammatory markers and plasma homocysteine. Thromb Haemost 1999, 81(6):913-917

Li D, Sinclair A, Mann N, Turner A, Ball M, Kelly F, Abedin L, Wilson A: The association of diet and thrombotic risk factors in healthy male vegetarians and meat-eaters. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10477247?dopt=Abstract] Eur J Clin Nutr 1999, 53(8):612-619.

Antonopoulou S, Fragopoulou E, Karantonis HC, Mitsou E, Sitara M, Rementzis J, Mourelatos A, Ginis A, Phenekos C: Effect of traditional Greek Mediterranean meals on platelet aggregation in normal subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Med Food 2006, 9(3):356-362

Cockayne S, Adamson J, Lanham-New S, Shearer MJ, Gilbody S, Torgerson DJ: Vitamin k and the prevention of fractures: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. [http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/166/12/1256] Arch Intern Med 2006, 166(12):1256-1261

MRSA Infection - How We Help Protect You

MRSA is a type of staphylococcus that is resistant to the commonly used antibiotics, extremely contagious, and that can cause aggressive infections to patients.  The saving grace with this type of infection, is that it can be readily cultured so that its presence can be identified before, during, and after surgery.  Early diagnosis and treatment is critical for successful treatment. Click here to learn more

Prophylactic Antibiotic

Recommendations for different procedures. Read more