The evaluation of efficacy of post-operative antibiotics in the open reduction of the zygomatic and mandibular fracture: a prospective trial

Introduction: The administration of pre and post-operative antibiotics for open reduction and internal fixation of facial fracture is the usual norm followed. Although the benefit of antibiotic has been established in the literature, the value of post-operative administration has been questioned and yet not extensively studied or investigated. There are rising concerns over the duration and undesired effects of antibiotics. The purpose of the study was to evaluate necessity and/or efficacy of post-operative antibiotics in the open reduction of zygomatic and mandibular fracture.

Methods: Sixty patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation were divided into two groups for the trial. Ab group (30 patients) received pre, intra and post-operative antibiotics. Non-Ab group (30 patients) did not receive post-operative antibiotics though pre and intra-operative antibiotics were administered. Patients were evaluated for post-op infection at the end of 1st and 3rd week after operation.

Results: Among 60 patients, 2 patients (1 from Ab group and 1 from non-Ab group) were infected; so statistically no significant difference in result was obtained (Fisher's exact test, P value = 1).

Conclusion: In this trial, the use of post-operative antibiotics in the open reduction and internal fixation of facial fracture was shown to confer no benefit/efficacy in reducing the chances of infection.