Anilkumar Raichur1, T. L. Patel2
Fractures of the facial region are commonly treated by surgeons operating in the head and neck. Antibiotic prophylaxis is used by these surgeons to decrease the rate of infections, however the role of prophylactic antibiotics remains controversial. Evidence exists for the beneficial use of prophylactic antibiotics for tympanostomy, orthognathic surgery and third molar surgeries. Unfortunately there is little evidence regarding the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in the management of facial fractures. In numerous cases no clear benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis has been shown, particularly considering their potential adverse side effects. The aim of this paper is to present the available evidence regarding the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in the management of facial fractures.
