Topical Antibiotic Irrigation (Gentamicin) in Prophylaxis of Midfacial Fracture Surgical Wounds

Topical Antibiotic Irrigation (Gentamicin) in Prophylaxis of Midfacial Fracture Surgical Wounds

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of topical antibiotic irrigation (gentamycin) and its ability to reduce surgical site infections in midfacial fracture surgery compared to sterile normal saline (NS).

Previously, this study evaluated a different antibiotic, bacitracin, but in April of 2020 the study was modified to use gentamycin rather than bacitracin, after the FDA warning of the toxic side effects of bacitracin and because the hospital where the study was conducted removed bacitracin from its formulary.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients who are planned for open reduction internal fixation of midfacial fractures as part of standard of care
• patients who are admitted to Memorial Hermann hospital at Texas Medical Center
• able to sign their own consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• infected surgical sites
• allergies to bacitracin