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PREVENTING INFECTION
Preventing infection is extremely important for the rest of your life. Your new joint is artificial
and does not have your body's natural protection against infection. It is possible to develop an
infection in your artificial joint if antibiotics are not taken before certain procedures. These
procedures include:
Dental procedures
Colonoscopy/ Sigmoidoscopy
Cystoscopy/ Urinary instrumentation
Prostate and/or bladder surgery
Cardiac Catheterization
Barium Enema
Endoscopy
Before having any procedures, let the physician or dentist doing the procedure know you have
an implant. He or she should provide antibiotics. You may also contact the surgeons who
performed your joint replacement to obtain the appropriate prescription antibiotics, if needed.
CARE COA CH/ FAMILY INVOLVE MENT AND TRAININ G:
Care Coaches/family members are welcome and encouraged at all rehab sessions. When possible, we
recommend they attend one PT visit and one OT visit, during your hospitalization, preferably towards
the end of your hospital stay.
A POSITIVE ATTITUDE WILL HELP YOUR RECOVERY!
