A Study of Neomycin Instillation Into Orthopedic Surgical Wounds

Abstract

The use of parenterally administered antibiotics preoperatively and postoperatively in orthopedic procedures has not proved significantly effective in preventing postoperative infection. This present controlled study (466 patients in a 28-month period) investigated the effect of local neomycin sulfate irrigation of orthopedic surgical wounds before closure on postoperative wound healing and complications. By the technique of irrigation and the doses of neomycin sulfate instilled into the wound (100 cc of 0.1% solution), there was no evidence that the antibiotic significantly altered the rate of infection or wound healing in osseous or soft tissue orthopedic wounds with or without metal implants.