The Effect of Duration of Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Infections Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of...

To evaluate the benefits of a long-term prophylactic antibiotic regimen following treatment of fractured mandibles with open reduction and internal fixation.

A prospective, randomized controlled trial was undertaken at Wits Oral Health Centre. Patients with mandibular fractures who were managed with open reduction and internal fixation using miniplates were randomized into 2 groups. The control group, the perioperative antibiotic (POA) group, was composed of patients who received intravenous (IV) antibiotic cover intraoperatively and a further 3 IV doses 24 hours postoperatively. The study group, the extended postoperative antibiotic (EPOA), was composed of patients who received similar doses as the control group but with an additional 5 days of oral antibiotics upon discharge. The patients were then evaluated for evidence of infection 1, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively.

A total of 77 patients were included in the study, 41 in the POA and 36 in the EPOA groups. Fourteen patients had evidence of infection noted within the 6-week follow-up period (10 in the POA and 4 in the EPOA groups). Statistical analysis with the Pearson Chi-square and Student t test showed no statistically significant difference ( P =0.399) between POA and EPOA groups. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to site and etiology of fracture, duration of operation, and presence of infection ( P >0.05) during the 6-week review period.

The extended use of antibiotic prophylaxis when managing mandibular fractures with open reduction and internal fixation offers no additional benefit in reducing postoperative infections.