Antibiotics in miscellaneous orthopaedic surgery
There is no requirement for routine aseptic procedures such as arthroscopy and joint aspiration, and short, 'clean' non-implant procedures (1).
High dose antibiotics are often given during any procedure involving the insertion of metalwork.
Spinal surgery, such as disc removal, may set up a deep infection resulting in:
- acute or chronic back pain
- nerve root compression
- scarring
- arachnoiditis Despite the lack of empirical evidence, the balance of opinion favours antibiotic prophylaxis in spinal surgery.
Reference:
- Bratzler DW et al. Antimicrobial prophylaxis for surgery: an advisory statement from the National Surgical Infection Prevention Project. Clin Infect Dis. 2004 Jun 15;38(12):1706-15.
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