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AIRPORT SCREENING

Yes, you can travel and we typically have no restrictions after 6 weeks postoperatively. Over 90% of implanted total hip
and knee arthroplasty devices will set off airport metal detectors. Don’t panic if the metal alarm goes off. The TSA agent
may use a hand wand to confirm the area, and you may be subject to a pat down of the body region that sets off the
alarm. Full-body scanners are now found in many airports and accomplish a security scan without worrying about your
replacement setting off an alarm. If the airport offers both metal detectors and a full-body scanner, you can request a
full-body scan. Notifying a TSA officer that you have had a joint replacement is a good idea. You can do this verbally and
an identification card is not necessary. After all, you have a scar to prove it!

They are extremely familiar with the millions of people
worldwide with hip and knee replacements. It
shouldn’t be much of a delay for them to clear you. Give
yourself a few extra minutes and arrive early at the
airport. The TSA has more information on joint
implants at www.tsa.gov.

DENTAL ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS
We recommend that any dental work that needs to be done should be performed before your joint replacement surgery.
If you have poor dental health, we may require you to see a dentist before your surgery to reduce the chance of infection.
Good dental hygiene now and after your surgery will lower your risk of infecting your new joint. Do this with routine
brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist.

Following your hip or knee replacement, it is important to wait at least 3 months before visiting your dentist. This
includes routine cleanings. However, if you have a tooth emergency, you should take care of it.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recognize that there
is limited or inconclusive evidence about giving prophylactic antibiotics. We would rather prevent infection with a simple
and inexpensive antibiotic than treat an infection with major surgery.

After a joint replacement, Dr. Eccles recommends taking an antibiotic
before any dental procedure (even simple cleanings) for the first year or
two. After that, they aren’t required unless you are a patient with a
weakened immune system or have serious medical conditions such as
uncontrolled diabetes. You can get these antibiotics prescribed directly by
your dentist. If your dentist doesn’t want to give you a prescription, you can
contact our office and we will prescribe them.

These are taken by mouth all at once, 1 hour before the procedure.
Standard Protocol:
• Amoxicillin or Cephalexin 2 grams (usually four 500mg tablets)
• If allergic to the above medications, then Clindamycin 600mg (usually two 300mg tablets)

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