The role of antibiotics and timing of repair in flexor tendon injuries of the hand.

The use of antibiotics and the timing of repair in the management of flexor tendon injuries of the hand have never been specifically addressed in the literature. In a retrospective study, 140 patients treated for simple open flexor tendon injuries were evaluated for postoperative wound infection. Patients were divided into four groups on the basis of early or late repair and use of parenteral perioperative antibiotic therapy. No significant differences were found among groups with respect to the low incidence of infectious complications observed. There is no evidence that mandates the use of prophylactic antibiotics and immediate repair in these types of injuries.