Comparison of postoperative infection rate in linear mandibular fractures using antibiotic prophylaxis

Abstract Introduction Postoperative infections are a major complication in the treatment of mandibular fractures. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis decreases infection rates; however, the maintenance after the surgical procedure is controversial in the literature. Objective To compare the rates of postoperative infection in the treatment of linear mandibular fractures with or without postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Methodology A retrospective transversal study was performed to analyze for the presence of postoperative infection. Thirty medical records of patients with mandibular fractures, treated by intraoral access and internal fixation were selected and divided into two groups with 15 records each: Patients who only underwent preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, and patients who underwent pre- and postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for six days. Result There were five postoperative infections, three in the group under preoperative prophylaxis and two in the group receiving antibiotics after the procedure. Conclusion Postoperative antibiotics did not reduce the infection rate in linear mandibular fractures.