A study of antibiotic usage in compound mandibular fractures.

The need for antibiotic coverage in compound mandibular fractures was tested in 64 patients with fractures in tooth-bearing areas in a study that began in January 1971 and ended in May 1974. Half of the patients received antibiotic coverage as part of the management of their fractures; the other half did not receive antibiotics. Problems related to infection at a fracture site developed in only 6.25% of patients treated with antibiotics. Infections directly associated with fractures developed in 50.33% of patients who did not receive antibiotic coverage.