Wife having total knee replacement done in a month and will be on asa versus something like coumadin, she is an rn and is aware of the risks of coumadin therapy, but she is unsure if aspirin will reduce the risk of clots as efficiently? thanks!

Anticoagulation: People at low risk for blood clots usually receive anticoagulation therapy post surgery for 1-2 days. The choice of anticoagulation therapy is usually the ortho surgeon's choice. Individuals are not discharged on anticoagulation medications, so that is probably why aspirin was the chosen protective medication. However, confer with the surgeon to be sure.

Good option: I try to place all my patients on Aspirin after total knee if they don't have a medical reason to be on stronger blood thinners. Also, I don't use tourniquets which dramatically reduces DVT risk. Getting up after surgery right away and walking frequently also reduces the risk. Doing ankle pumping exercises every hour while in bed or sitting, also reduces risk.