Open AccessIntrawound Antibiotic Powder Decreases Frequency of Deep Infection and Severity of Heterotopic Ossification in Combat Lower Extremity Amputations
Author(s) -
Gabriel J. Pavey,
Peter M. Formby,
Benjamin W. Hoyt,
Scott C. Wagner,
Jonathan A. Forsberg,
Benjamin K. Potter
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
clinical orthopaedics and related research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.178
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1528-1132
pISSN - 0009-921X
DOI - 10.1007/s11999.0000000000000090
Subject(s) - medicine , heterotopic ossification , surgery , ossification , intravenous antibiotics , antibiotics , medical record , amputation , retrospective cohort study , infection rate , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Amputations sustained owing to combat-related blast injuries are at high risk for deep infection and development of heterotopic ossification, which can necessitate reoperation and place immense strain on the patient. Surgeons at our institution began use of intrawound antibiotic powder at the time of closure in an effort to decrease the rate of these surgical complications after initial and revision amputations, supported by compelling clinical evidence and animal models of blast injuries. Antibiotic powder may be useful in reducing the risk of these infections, but human studies on this topic thus far have been inconclusive.