Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need antibiotics prior to dental procedures after undergoing hip or knee joint replacement?
No. Recent studies show no clear link between dental work and joint replacement infection. One dose antibiotic alone is not effective in preventing or treating joint infection. I don't recommend antibiotics. However, avoid deep dental work a month before and three months after surgery.
Do I need a special card to go through the security checkpoint at the airport after hip or knee replacement?
No, you do not. Simply telling a TSA agent that you have replaced hip or knee can facilitate smooth screening. Please take a look at this video: https://youtu.be/7hagY2S9l3k?si=MvusZucrWLtDOiGX
When can I drive after hip or knee replacement?
Generally speaking, 2-4 weeks after left knee or hip replacement and 4-6 weeks after right knee or hip replacement. You should completely wean off narcotics as I do not recommend against driving under influence. You should be independent from assistive device. When you feel confident that your reaction time is good going back and forth between the gas pedal and the brake pedal, I suggest that you try out in an empty parking with your “supervisor.” When you feel comfortable driving in am empty parking lot, move onto a quiet neighborhood and so forth. Take it slow, please!
When can I take a bath after hip or knee replacement?
Around 4 weeks. You have to make sure that your incision is completely healed at this time. There should not be any opening, draining, or redness around. If you do, please check your provider.
When can I go back to work after hip or knee replacement?
Broadly speaking, you can go back to work after 6 weeks if you have a desk job OR 3 months if you have a hard labor job. However, each individual has a varying degree of recovery timeframe. Some people might be able to go back to work sooner and some have to take an extended leave of absence for recovery. Please talk to your provider at your follow up visit when you might be able to go back to work.
Am I a good candidate for bilateral (both left and right on the same day) hip or knee replacement?
You have to be a healthy, motivated, well-conditioned individual to go through bilateral hip or knee replacement. There is no functional benefit of doing both sides at the same time. There have been reports of increased complications including death, heart attack, blood clots, and readmission with bilateral hip or knee replacements compared to staged procedures where you get one done followed by another 3 months later.