Abstracts Posters SICOT-SOF meeting Gothenburg 2010 _2_

Poster
Topic: Infections
Abstract number: 23744
ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN ARTHROPLASTY- A SURVEY OF PRACTICE
AMONGST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS
S. THOMAS, R. DHARMARAJAN
Cumberland Infirmary, Carlsile, Newcastle Upon Tyne (UNITED KINGDOM)
Introduction: Joint replacements are increasingly performed by Orthopaedic
Surgeons. Infection following arthroplasty is a dreaded complication and antibiotic
prophylaxis is regularly used. There is no universal consensus regarding type of
antibiotic to be used. We conducted this survey to assess the current practice
regarding the use of antibiotics in joint replacement surgery. Method: A questionnaire
survey was done amongst the members of British Orthopaedic Association. The
survey assessed if hospitals provided a protocol for antibiotic prophylaxis, the type
and doses of antibiotic used. The survey also assessed awareness regarding any
existing guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis and the need for such guidelines.
Results: 88% of the respondents mentioned that their hospital provides a guideline
.There was variation in practice with 58.1% using Cefuroxime, 25.6% using
Gentamicin, 23.5% using Flucloxacillin and 14% using Augmentin. 61.8% use one
pre operative plus two post operative doses. 53.65% were not aware of any
regional/national guidelines and 30.9% were not sure. 63.4% suggested a guideline
is required for using prophylactic antibiotics. While 51.2% feel it should be done at a
regional or hospital level, 31% felt that there should be a uniform national guideline
for such practice. Conclusion: There seems to be a variation in the current practice of
using prophylactic antibiotics in arthroplasty across hospitals. A consensus regarding
antibiotics usage and guidelines developed at regional or national level is
recommended.
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