title: Efficacy of antibiotics in low-velocity gunshot fractures.
abstract: We have investigated the efficacy of intravenous antibiotic therapy as a prophylactic measure to prevent infection following low-velocity gunshot fractures. Ninety-six consecutive patients were randomized prospectively to either an antibiotic group (Group I) or a nonantibiotic group (Group II) and were followed in a special gunshot wound clinic. Only patients with fractures that could be treated by closed techniques and did not require internal fixation were included. Sixty-seven patients (73 fractures) were followed radiographically. At follow-up, 36 fractures in Group 1 and 37 fractures in Group II comprised the study group. A total of two infections, one in each group, was documented. No significant infection prophylaxis was demonstrated by the use of intravenous antibiotics in these injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Dickey
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Kearns
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Tullos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011292:Premedication; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents