AUDIT OF TIMING OF ANTIBIOTIC-PROPHYLAXIS IN HIP AND KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Infection following arthroplasty can have devastating consequences. An tibiotic prophylaxis is routinely given in modern orthopaedic practice in an attempt to reduce infection rates. The aim is to achieve clinic ally useful tissue concentrations of antibiotic peri-operatively, and this is accomplished with antibiotic administration at induction of an aesthesia and at 6 and 12 h post-operatively. The case notes of 16 con secutive patients undergoing elective joint replacement surgery were r eviewed. All received antibiotic prophylaxis, but the time intervals b etween doses were longer than the current standard in 50% of patients for the second dose and 81% of patients for the third dose. Our practi ce has been reviewed to ensure that all patients receive antibiotics a t the appropriate times.