Fingertip amputation is a common injury. Considerable controversy exists as to whether prophylactic antibiotics are necessary for this injury. The investigators goal was to compare the rate of infections among subgroups with and without prophylactic antibiotic treatment. The study hypothesis was that infection rates were similar in the two groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• fingertip amputation with bone exposed

Exclusion Criteria:

• under the age of 18 years
• if the patient had diabetes
• oncological disorder
• immune deficiency
• bleeding disorder
• used steroids regularly
• presented with a grossly contaminated wound or other injury requiring antibiotic treatment
• were currently taking antibiotics, or had a previous allergic reaction to cephalosporins.