Intrasite Antibiotic Powder for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Extremity Surgery: A Systematic Review

Stephen D. Fernicola, Michael J. Elsenbeck, Patrick D. Grimm, Alfred J. Pisano, Scott C. Wagner*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Although the role of intrasite antibiotic powder in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) has been extensively explored in spinal surgery, it remains underevaluated in the other orthopaedic subspecialties. This systematic review examines the utilization of intrawound antibiotic powder as a prophylactic measure against SSIs in orthopaedic procedures. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, electronic searches were conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, and PubMed. Only English language, nonspine clinical studies published before May 2018 were included. Results: The initial search identified 179 individual citations, and 11 studies met the eligibility criteria. All included studies were level III retrospective studies. Represented subspecialties included total joint arthroplasty, upper extremity, foot and ankle, and trauma. Eight studies demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in SSIs with the use of intrasite antibiotic powder. Discussion: There are no current guidelines for the use of intrasite antibiotic powder for the prevention of SSIs in orthopaedic procedures. Despite the lack of high-quality evidence available in the literature, published smaller studies do suggest a significant protective effect. However, recommendations with regard to this technique after common orthopaedic procedures cannot yet be made.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)37-43
Number of pages7
JournalThe Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2020
Externally publishedYes

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