Posts Tagged ‘prophylaxis’

links updated 4.7.2010 

from the American Dental Association (ADA)

Antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines exist for two groups of patients: those with heart conditions that may predispose them to infective endocarditis, and patients who have a total joint replacement, who may be at risk for developing hematogenous infections at the site of the prosthetic.

Guidelines for patients who have a total joint replacement were updated by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) in 2009.

The AAOS 2009 Information Statement differs from the 2003 AAOS/ADA Advisory Statement in this important way:

AAOS now states 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.”

If you have questions, please contact your orthopedic surgeon.