What is one of the main causes of pitting edema in a patient with a recent knee replacement?

Pitting edema refers to the accumulation of fluid that can be pressed down, leaving an indentation in the skin. In the context of a patient who has recently undergone knee replacement surgery, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant concern. DVT is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, often in the legs.

The surgical procedure itself, along with factors such as reduced mobility post-surgery, can increase the risk of DVT. When DVT occurs, it can lead to increased venous pressure and subsequent leakage of fluid from the vascular space into the surrounding tissues, causing pitting edema.

Recognizing DVT as a potential cause of edema is crucial, especially in post-surgical patients, because it not only explains the swelling but also alerts healthcare providers to the risk of complications associated with blood clots, such as pulmonary embolism. This makes monitoring for signs of DVT after surgeries like knee replacements particularly important in geriatric physical therapy settings.