A check-up and a hip X-ray is mandatory at 4-6 weeks after surgery, then after a further three months, then annually for five years and finally at least every three years. This is essential to monitor the results of your surgery and give you any further advice on the care of your hip replacement. Any loosening of the hip replacement can often be seen on X-ray before the individual is aware of any symptoms.
You need to notify any doctor or dentist treating you that you have a hip replacement. There is a slight possibility that an infection elsewhere in your body could travel via your blood stream to the hip replacement.
Miss Muirhead-Allwood generally advises all her patients that although the risk is very small, it is up to individuals and their dentist to decide whether to take antibiotics prior to dentistry.
Patients with an increased risk of blood stream infections may be recommended to take antibiotics prior to dental treatment. These include people with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and HIV. You will be advised if you are in this category.
You will be given further advice regarding what long term activities you can and cannot do with your hip replacement at your 4-6 week post-surgery appointment.
