2004 Antibiotics for preventing infection in open limb fractures

Description: Summary: Antibiotics are effective in preventing early infection in open fractures of the limbs Wound and bone infections are common complications following open fractures of the limbs. For more than 20 years, in developed countries, the use of antibiotics has been a part of a standard management protocol that also includes irrigation, surgical debridement, and stabilisation when indicated. The review of trials found that antibiotics are effective in decreasing the incidence of wound infections, as compared to no antibiotics or placebo. No studies on bone infection or long-term morbidity were identified. (Cochrane Review)
Gosselin RA, Roberts I, Gillespie WJ. Antibiotics for preventing infection in open limb fractures. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD003764.