Data from the recent medical survey of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that hip replacement operations are one of the most common bone surgeries performed in the United States annually. There are, however, several issues that confront a person who have had this type of procedure. Patients try to avoid going to the dentists for a while after their operation because they fear that they might catch an infection. Although there has been a long standing debate whether it is necessary to avoid dental work after a total hip replacement.
As metal hip implants were often used during this option, many men and women have undergone hip revision due to faulty hip implants that led to the many DePuy Pinnacle law suit against the maker of the device. There are information found at the DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit Center or at depuypinnaclelawsuit.com for those who wants to know more about it. Prophylaxis are often given to those who would want to go to their dentists after enduring the hip operation. Microorganism are easy to stick with implants, thus, men and women who have prosthesis need to be watchful of any signs of infection. Routine prophylaxes are often advised by orthopaedists to their patients to avoid future complications. The use of routine dental prophylaxis does not sit well for some health care providers though.
It is necessary for people who are preparing to undergo hip replacement surgery to have good oral hygiene because of the high possibility of bacteremia in the hip implants. Bacteremia is a risk that is present even after many years have passed. The critical period is the first two years after the operation which may be the adjustment period for the patient as well. In the event that dental procedure may cause bleeding, dentists might give routine antibiotics even if there is still no concrete scientific evidence to prove that people with hip implants are at greater risk of infection.
The following antibiotic regimen was proposed by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:
One may use cephalexin, cephradine, amoxicillin or penicillin if there is no allergic reaction to the abovementioned medications. These medications are to be taken one hour before the planned procedure. Although if the patient is allergic to these medications then the doctor may give clindamycin. If the patient is unable to receive anything by mouth, the doctor may give the medication intravenously. It is still best to consults one’s doctor because not all patients are to be given routine antibiotic prophylaxis. It is within the dentist’s prerogative if the procedure needs to have added protection.
URL References:
depts.washington.edu/shoulder/Infections/895.pdf
healio.com/orthopedics/journals/ORTHO/%7B373044B7-103E-4558-B1F0-519328BED6A8%7D/Hematogenous-Infection-of-Total-Hip-Arthroplasty-With-Actinomyces-Following-a-Noninvasive-Dental-Procedure
dukehealth.org/orthopaedics/services/joint-replacement/care-guides/total-joint-replacement-surgery-information/dental-antibiotic-recommendation-for-joint-replacement
