Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in mandibular fractures: A preliminary randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical study.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the difference between the effect of a 5-day postoperative course of oral antibiotics and a placebo on the incidence of postoperative infection in uncomplicated fractures of the mandible.


METHODS
A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study using a placebo control was carried out. Thirty patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups: group 1 (14 patients) and group 2 (16 patients). Each group received penicillin G, 2 million U intravenously, every 4 hours through the preoperative period, intraoperative period, and for 12 hours postoperatively. Group 1 then received penicillin VK, 500 mg every 6 hours for 5 days. Group 2 received oral placebo using the same schedule for the same duration as group 1. The patients were than evaluated for evidence of infection 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively.


RESULTS
Two of 14 patients in group 1 (14.3%) and 2 of 16 patients in group 2 (12.5%) developed infections. No statistically significant difference in the incidence of infection was noted between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
In this preliminary study, the use of postoperative oral antibiotics in uncomplicated fractures of the mandible had no benefit in reducing the incidence of infections.
Abubaker
A O
AO
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Medical College of Virginia Hospital of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. abubaker@vcu.edu
Rollert
M K
MK
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000379:methods; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010404:Penicillin V / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010406:Penicillins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*
D010406:Penicillins; D010404:Penicillin V