• S C Stamou, H C Maltezou, T Psaltopoulou, A Tsaroucha, M Kaseta, C Skondras, P J Asimacopoulos, and D A Kafetzis.
• Astros Health Center, Greece. sstamou@otenet.gr
• J Trauma. 1999 Jun 1; 46 (6): 1078-81.

BackgroundThe requirement for antimicrobial agents in patients with minor limb lacerations was prospectively studied.MethodsThe development of wound infections in patients with minor limb lacerations who received amoxicillin plus clavulanate acid treatment (group A, 52 patients) was studied and compared with patients who did not (group B, 48 patients).ResultsWound infection occurred in 6 (11.5%) and 10 (21%) patients in groups A and B, respectively (p>0.10). Statistically significant risk factors for the development of infection were diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 15.8; p<0.001), lower limb lacerations (OR, 33.5; p<0.001), lacerations caused by compressive forces (OR, 21.6; p = 0.007), laceration length from 5 to 8 cm (OR, 7.04; p = 0.001), ragged laceration edge (OR, 2.55; p = 0.049), and skin tension (OR, 2.00; p = 0.006).ConclusionThe use of antimicrobial agents in minor limb injuries was not associated with a significant reduction of infection rate. Routine antimicrobial treatment is discouraged.

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