Ocs. Cassell et L. Ion, ARE ANTIBIOTICS NECESSARY IN THE SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT OF UPPER-LIMB LACERATIONS, British Journal of Plastic Surgery, 50(7), 1997, pp. 523-529
Previous research has shown that antibiotic usage in patients with sup
erficial sharp lacerations has no influence over infection rate. This
study is a prospective controlled trial, using systematic allocation,
of 250 patients of which 113 received co-amoxiclav (Augmentin) and 137
did not. Special emphasis was placed on wound debridement and irrigat
ion. All sharp soft tissue lacerations including those with nerve, ten
don and muscle damage were entered into the trial. The results show a
low overall infection rate of 4%. The infection rate in the group trea
ted with antibiotics was 5% and 3.2% in the group who received no anti
biotics. Lacerations operated on up to 48 h from the injury were inclu
ded and there was no correlation between the length of time waited and
the infection rate. We conclude that antibiotics are an unnecessary a
djunct in the treatment of sharp lacerations of the hand and upper lim
b, provided meticulous surgical debridement is performed.