The Evaluation of Postoperative Antibiotics in Non-Infected Mandible Fractures

The purpose of the study is to evaluate if postoperative antibiotic use in patients with mandible trauma reduce the risk of postoperative infections and does the benefit differ based on severity, soft tissue loss, other concomitant injuries, and medical problems

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of antibiotics postoperatively in non-infected mandible fractures compared to the lack of postoperative antibiotics in the same population. The first outcome measure is infection. Evidence of infection includes persistent swelling, fever, recurrent swelling, erythema, and purulent discharge. The second outcome measure is no infection. Absence of persistent swelling, fever, recurrent swelling, erythema, and purulent discharge. Outcome measures will be assessed on follow-up visits: post op week 1, post op week 3, and post op week 6-8. Latest follow-up is up to 8 weeks. If the subject presents with any of the above mentioned symptoms during the 8 week post-op period, the subject will be considered positive for infection. Prospective randomized trial: Control group will not receive any postoperative antibiotics other than what is accepted as preoperative prophylactic antibiotics as per current standards of care. Trial groups will receive a single post-operative dose administration of Unasyn 3g or Clindamycin 600mg (for penicillin allergies), then the patients in the trial group will be switched to oral Augmentin 875mg twice a day for 7 days (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid which is clinically interchangeable with Unasyn), or oral Clindamycin 150mg to 300mg four times a day for 7 days (for penicillin allergies). If the patient is discharged home prior to completing 7 days of oral antibiotic therapy, patient will receive prescription to finish the remaining doses of antibiotics for a total period of 7 days. The patient will follow up post op week 1, post op week 3, and post op week 6-8. Latest follow-up is up to 8 weeks. Patients will be monitored for any complications, including reaction to IV and oral antibiotics. Patient will assessed after the one-time post-op IV antibiotic dose and during their follow-up visits at weeks 1, 3, and 6-8.

Trial groups will receive a single post-operative dose administration of Unasyn 3g or Clindamycin 600mg (for penicillin allergies), then the patients in the trial group will be switched to oral Augmentin 875mg twice a day for 7 days (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid which is clinically interchangeable with Unasyn), or oral Clindamycin 150mg to 300mg four times a day for 7 days (for penicillin allergies). If the patient is discharged home prior to completing 7 days of oral antibiotic therapy, patient will receive prescription to finish the remaining doses of antibiotics for a total period of 7 days.

Control group will not receive any postoperative antibiotics other than what is accepted as preoperative prophylactic antibiotics as per current standards of care.

UNasyn is the trade name and the genric name is Ampicillin and Sub lactam. Cleocin is a trade name and the generic name is clindamycin.

Trial groups will receive a single post-operative dose administration of Unasyn 3g or Clindamycin 600mg (for penicillin allergies)

Augmentin is the trade name and the generic is Amoxicillin Clavulinate or clavulinic acid. Cleocin is the trade name and the generic is clindamycin.

the patients in the trial group will be switched to oral Augmentin 875mg twice a day for 7 days, or oral Clindamycin 150mg to 300mg four times a day for 7 days (for penicillin allergies).

Control group will not receive any postoperative antibiotics other than what is accepted as preoperative prophylactic antibiotics as per current standards of care

Inclusion Criteria: All mandible fracture patients planned for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) Exclusion Criteria: Age - < 18 years Pregnancy Fracture Site - closed / non-dentate eg. Condylar neck, edentulous Soft Tissue Injury - > Grade 4 (GSW) Allergic to all study drugs Medical Problems Diabetes - Hb A1C > 10 Immunologic compromise On Chemotherapy Interval - Injury to Surgery - > 10days Already receiving antibiotics for Another wound eg. Open fracture prophylaxis Documented / suspected infection Inability to provide informed consent.