Post-surgical shoulder replacement infections occur in about 10 percent of all patients who receive this procedure. Proper sterility and after-care significantly lowers your risk of acquiring an infection after a shoulder replacement surgery.
Causes
After any surgical procedure a decreased immune system is normal due to stress and pain. Prolonged hospital stays, non-sterile care of the surgical site, and not washing hands properly before touching your shoulder may increase your chances of obtaining an infection.
Possible Infections
The most common bacteria that cause post-surgical infections are staphylococcus aureus and Group A streptococcus. These are both infections that can become severe quickly if not treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an infection after a shoulder replacement are most commonly redness around the surgical incision, swelling, tenderness to touch and a fever. If you exhibit any of these symptoms make your health care provider aware as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is simple for infections after a shoulder replacement surgery. Your physician will order a complete blood count blood test which will tell him if you have an infection and will then allow him to determine the best antibiotic for treatment.
Treatment
The most common antibiotic therapies used after a shoulder replacement are vancomycin, Zosyn, Rocephin and Levaquin. They are relatively strong antibiotics that can be taken by mouth or by IV.
Prognosis
When post-surgical infections are caught quickly prognosis is very good. The common antibiotics are very effective against these infections and symptoms are lessened within 24 hours. The infection is most commonly cured within 10 days.
Tags: after shoulder, after shoulder replacement, shoulder replacement, infection after, infection after shoulder, most common, most commonly