No evidence to link prosthetic joint infections with dental procedures.
METHODS
Medline and bibliographies of relevant papers were used to source relevant studies. Case reports and references to relevant conference presentations were also included. Animal and in-vitro studies were excluded. Publications in English, French and German were included.


METHODS
All relevant articles including case studies and references to abstracts of conference presentations were considered.


METHODS
A qualitative summary was made of relevant data.


RESULTS
Of 144 articles retrieved, there were 23 prospective studies but no randomised or comparative trials. Twenty-seven reports (18.8%) favoured prophylaxis for special circumstances, 11 publications (7.6%) did not perceive any benefit and 106 (73.6%) took no clear position.


CONCLUSIONS
Infections of total hip or knee replacements because of haematogenous seeding following dental intervention are very rare. The scientific rationale for systemic or local antimicrobial prophylaxis is very weak at best.
Rodgers
Jennifer
J
Department of Public Health, NHS Forth Valley, Carseview House, Castle Business Park, Stirling, Scotland, UK.
Richards
Derek
D