← Return to Life long antibiotics after knee repacement

Discussion

Life long antibiotics after knee repacement

Joint Replacements | Last Active: Mar 31 8:19pm | Replies (27)

Comment receiving replies
@annshrader

Hi.
I recently had an orthopedic surgery. In preparation for the surgery (and I was also taking a master's level class in Healthcare Systems Engineering) I wanted to look at the process for preventing infections. There is a great deal involved with the process. I looked at how the day of surgery works in prevention, and I also look at what the patient does (I was the patient!). Everything that you do to minimize infection (as a patient) can impact the outcome (surgery). Surgeons and their staff have their accountability as well. It's the little preventative things you do that will make a difference.

Jump to this post


Replies to "Hi. I recently had an orthopedic surgery. In preparation for the surgery (and I was also..."

Not only that but it is important to ask while interviewing as surgeons......what is your infection rate.

Interested in what preventative maintenance you did? Thanks, Sharon

I was totally impressed by the health grade reports, as well as other reports in regards to the health system where I had my surgery- one of the top places nationally for joint replacement. Surgery site infection rates are easily available when searching for a joint replacement facility. Definitely ask the surgeon as well.
The week long prep of a thorough Hibiclens from head to toe and the instructions to place decontaminating antibiotic Mupirocin ointment nasally, to help prevent surgical site infections before surgery also made me feel they had my best interests.

My biggest regret of my knee replacement preparation/questions was not finding out the typical recovery measurements, and how it is followed. I had no idea about flexion and extension measurements, and what they should be at certain weeks of recovery. I ended up having to get a manipulation under anesthesia at 11 weeks post-op. It started recovery and PT all over again (minus the incision issue). Ask the surgeon how they will follow up after surgery. I really missed that mark for sure. Seems like the surgeons are most interested in getting you in the door only perhaps?

I had oral antibiotics for 4 weeks after my tkr.
My husband got staph and was septic 7 years after his knee and hip replacements. Had 7 surgeries in 1 year. Healed now but will be on antibiotics his entire life.