Alert->To all Joint Replacement Prehn Dental Patients!

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has released a new statement on antiobiotics after Arthroplasty (joint replacement). The new statement asserts that "Given the potential adverse outcomes and cost of treating an infected joint replacement the AAOS recommends that clinicians consider antibiotic prophylaxis for all total joint replacement patients prior to any invasive procedure that may cause bacteremia."

The original recommendation to stop prophylaxis after two (2) years was based on a study done in 1986. While the risk is highest in the first two years following joint replacement, there is reasonable data to support the belief that bacteremia from oral procedures may result in total joint infections even after several years. This is why the two-year recommendation has been revised.

The current antibiotic of choice is Amoxicillin, four 500 milligram tablets (2 grams) one hour before the dental procedure.  This has been changed from past years when Penicillin was given prior and also after dental procedures for 3-4 days.  If you are allergic to Penicillin and/or Amoxicillin, then it is recommended to take Erythromycin or Clindamycin as a secondary choice.