This may sound strange, but make sure your teeth are healthy. My friend had knee repl. Over a year ago. Many months later an infection in knee showed up. She had to have the replacement removed, spent 3 months in rehab. While there she was taken to the dentist and discovered she had 6 abcesses which may or may not have caused the infection but most likely did. Infection can search around for a vulnerable spot to land. Had all her teeth pulled and got dentures. However there was so much damage they now cannot do another replacement. Earlier this week they put a rod in her leg and she will never again be able to bend it. I cant imagine living like that! A few years ago my husband developed an infection that traveled from his toes up to a large scar from a surgery 5 years before. (nothing to do with his teeth). So, my advice is, see your dentist, have xrays to see if there is anything brewing that could cause you problems on down the line.