Researchers in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery investigate the impact of the antibiotic powder on reducing surgical site infection (SSI), specifically in treating acetabular fractures.
First author and researcher Tyler Cichos and his colleauges felt there was little current research and literature about this topic, yet there has been an increase in powders being sold with the promise to decrease the risk of infection.
Published in the April issue of the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, the study “Intrawound Antibiotic Powder in Acetabular Fracture Open Reduction Internal Fixation Does Not Reduce Surgical Site Infections” has gotten national traction.
The study has been featured in OrthoSpineNews, and DocWire News. The team presented findings at the Orthopaedic Trauma Association Annual Meeting and will present to the Musculoskeletal Infection Society as well.
The study analyzed 789 acetabular fracture open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) cases from 2010 to 2019. Ultimately, the authors found no difference in infection rates in these high-risk procedures using local antibiotic powder in the wound prior to closure.
Research authors include:
- Kyle Cichos, researcher III and doctoral student
- Clay Spitler, M.D., director of clinical research
- Jonathan Quade, M.D., section chief of trauma
- Brent Ponce, M.D., former professor
- Gerald McGwin, Jr, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology
- Elie Ghanem, M.D., section chief of joint arthroplasty
To read the entire study, click here.