After Total Joint Replacement

After Total Joint Replacement

You have undergone a Total Joint Replacement procedure. These are instances when infection in one part of your body may cause bacteria to circulate in your blood, possibly resulting in infection at the site of your implant. Therefore, it is essential that you seek prompt treatment of infections anywhere in your body.

Good dental hygiene is important, and you should see your dentist for regular dental care whether or not you are having a dental problem. Prompt treatment of infections, particularly in the skin or urinary tract is important.

If you are to undergo a dental or surgical procedure where the surgeon or dentist feels that there is a possibility of bacterial contamination, we recommend that a course of antibiotics be given as follows:

Patients not allergic to Penicillin:
Cephalexin, Cephradine or Amoxicillin: 2 grams orally 1 hour prior to dental procedure.

Patients not allergic to Penicillin and unable to take oral medications:
Cefazolin 1 gram; or Ampicillin 2 grams IM/IV 1 hour prior to the procedure.

Patients allergic to Penicillin:
Clindamycin 600mg orally 1 hour prior to the dental procedure.

Patients allergic to Penicillin and unable to take oral medications:
Clindamycin 600mg IM/IV 1 hour prior to the procedure.

The avoidance of bacterial contamination and infection should help reduce the risk of infection at the site of the total joint implant. Since prompt treatment is essential, please do not hesitate to consult your personal physician, your dentist or your orthopedic surgeon should such a situation arise.