Antibiotic prophylaxis after total joint replacements.

Abstract

The guidelines from the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons seem to have an all-encompassing policy when it comes to providing prophylactic antibiotics. Nonetheless, physicians must still exercise their judgement and customise the treatment to each patient. The benefits of prophylactic antibiotics must be balanced against the risks of drug side-effects and the emergence of antibiotic resistance.