Re: hip replacement and antibiotics

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http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00377

The most common causes of infection following hip replacement surgery are from

bacteria that enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, urinary tract

infections, or skin infections. These bacteria can lodge around your prosthesis.

Following your surgery, you may need to take antibiotics prior to dental work,

including dental cleanings, or any surgical procedure that could allow bacteria

to enter your bloodstream. For many people with joint replacements and normal

immune systems, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends

antibiotic prophylaxis before dental work.

Warning signs of a possible hip replacement infection are:

Persistent fever (higher than 100°F orally)

Shaking chills

Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling of the hip wound

Drainage from the hip wound

Increasing hip pain with both activity and rest

Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of these signs.

Read more at

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00377

http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/jointreplacement1/a/infectedjoint.htm