[Prophylaxis with cefazolin in surgery of the hip (author's transl)]

Our study shows that prophylactic use of an adequate antibiotic appears to be warranted in osteoarticular surgery, during the immediate pre and post-operative periods. The mechanism by which this prophylaxis is effective remains under debate. Surgeons should be encouraged to abandon the use of wide-spectrum antibiotics or combinations of several antibiotics for prophylactic purposes. The only useful prophylaxis is the prescription of one antibiotic effective against the most common agent i.e. staphylococcus aureus. Our results suggest an early action of the antibiotic, as soon as the leukocytes and microorganisms make contact. Selection of highly resistant microorganisms by polyvalent antibiotic therapy is precluded by the prophylactic regimen advocated here. Use of cefazolin during a very short period appears to be a satisfactory solution to prophylactic problems in osteoarticular surgery.