Comment on the 2009 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Information Statement on Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Bacteremia in Patients with Joint Replacements

In February 2009, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) updated its antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines for patients who have a total joint replacement. In the following article, which will appear in the July/August issue of JCDA, Dr. Joel Epstein and colleagues briefly discuss how the 2009 statement differs from the preceding version and point out what, in their view, are some of the shortcomings of the most recent statement.

Read the advance release JCDA article. (PDF 159 KB)

Read the 2009 AAOS information statement on Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Bacteremia in Patients with Joint Replacements.

CDA’s Response to Updated AAOS Statement on Antibiotic Prophylaxis

The CDA Committee on Clinical and Scientific Affairs, along with other organizations, will be studying the implications of the 2009 AAOS statement. However, in the interim, CDA is not convinced that there is compelling evidence to change its current position statement on antibiotic prophylaxis for dental patients with total joint replacement.

CDA maintains that there is an obligation for dentists and orthopedic surgeons to communicate clearly and comprehensively about patients with joint replacements.

CDA Position on Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Dental Patients with Total Joint Replacement (PDF 33 KB)

Please note that the 2003 ADA/AAOS advisory statement (link included in CDA’s position statement) is no longer available on the ADA website. An alternative is available at: http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/134/7/895