Wound infections after minor limb lacerations: Risk factors and the role of antimicrobial agents

Background: The requirement for antimicrobial agents in patients with minor limb lacerations was prospectively studied. Methods: The development of wound infections in patients with minor limb la cerations who received amoxicillin plus clavulanate acid treatment (group i i, 52 patients) mas studied and compared with patients who did not (group B , 48 patients). Results: Wound infection occurred in 6 (11.5%) and 10 (21%) patients in gro ups A and B, respectively (p > 0.10). Statistically significant risk factor s for the development of infection were diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 15.8; p < 0.001), lower limb lacerations (OR, 33.5; p < 0.001), laceration s caused by compressive forces (OR, 21.6; p = 0.007), laceration length fro m 5 to 8 cm (OR, 7.04; p = 0.001), ragged laceration edge (OR, 2.55; p = 0. 049), and skin tension (OR, 2.00; p = 0.006), Conclusion: The use of antimicrobial agents in minor limb injuries was not associated with a significant reduction of infection rate. Routine antimicr obial treatment is discouraged.