Comparison of intraoperative versus 24 hour antibiotic prophylaxis in total joint replacement. A controlled prospective study.

One hundred and ninety-six consecutive total joint recipients, including unilateral and bilateral procedures, were studied. Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two prophylactic protocols. Group A (98 patients) received two intraoperative doses of cefuroxime (1500 mg and 750 mg) intravenously and continued cefuroxime for 24 hours postoperatively (750 mg every eight hours intravenous piggy back). Group B (98 patients) received two intraoperative intravenous doses of cefuroxime (1500 mg and 750 mg) and no postoperative doses. The opening or closing surgical culture was positive for five patients in Group A and 10 patients in Group B. None of these patients had a postoperative infection. Patients were followed for a minimum of one year after surgery. No deep wound infection was reported for either group.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes