Tag Total Knee Replacement

Robots are the future…at least that’s what we hear!

For the past few years, robotic assistance in orthopedic surgery has become increasingly popular. National advertisement campaigns showing patients after robotic-assisted joint replacements recovering more quickly and gaining better function are filling internet searches for total hip and knee replacements. The real question is, does it matter? Does robotic assistance in hip and knee replacement really make a difference? Should you as a patient or family member seek out surgeons using this technology?

The concern with dental work after joint replacement is a possibility of inducing infection. Bacteria from your mouth can enter your blood stream and settle onto your implant. Approximately 6-13% of total joint infections involve bacteria primarily found in your mouth. The highest rate of infection is within the first 2 years after surgery. While this does not directly mean that bacteria from the mouth cause joint infections, the association is strong and concerning if you happen to be unlucky!

In 2003, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) first published guidelines regarding antibiotic use for dental procedures following hip and knee replacement. These recommendations have been addressed twice by this joint panel since that time, with the latest publication in 2012 suggesting that the data is not strongly for or against antibiotics before dental work. Ultimately, the [social_warfare buttons=”Facebook, Linkedin”][social_warfare]decision to use antibiotics for dental procedures should be made with consideration of each patient’s health and surgery.

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Why Should You Consider Outpatient Hip or Knee Replacement?

Joint Replacement is a relatively major surgery. Typically, patients spend 1-3 days in the hospital following the procedure to work with physical therapy and monitor for issues with pain. The hospital setting has been very successful, so why change something that works?

Patient Experience

The hospital is a busy, and sometimes, chaotic environment, and the many moving parts are not always directed towards your direct care. In the ambulatory setting, there is considerably more surgeon control over the care episode. The teams are smaller and highly specialized, translating to an efficient and more personalized experience. Most centers that perform outpatient total joint procedures are highly specialized for orthopedic care. The Boston Out Patient Surgical Suites performs only orthopedic procedures, and as a result, everyone on the team has extensive experience and interest in your case.

For you, outpatient joint replacement will likely be a less stressful surgical experience….and this means a quicker recovery.

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What is Metal Sensitivity?

Metal sensitivity(or metal hypersensitivity) is an allergic reaction triggered by the body’s immune system. Unlike the clear and immediate reaction one might experience to pollen and dust, allergies to metal present in a more delayed fashion. Basically, your body develops a negative memory regarding a specific antigen (i.e. metal) and overreacts when that metal shows up again. It’s not usually an immediate response like a bee sting, but rather, it can take several days or more before the signs begin to appear.

Metal Content in Total Joint Implants

When a patient has a reported allergy to an orthopedic implant, it is usually a reaction to nickel, cobalt, or chromium. The incidence of sensitivity to nickel (usually seen as a skin reaction to cheap jewelry) is 10-15%, but to date, there is not a consensus between this type of reaction and issues with orthopedic implants containing nickel.

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