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Antibiotic prophylaxis for pre-tibial haematomas in the elderly

Three Part Question

In [elderly patients with a large pre-tibial haematoma] does [the prophylactic use of antibiotics] give [a reduction in infective complications]?

Clinical Scenario

A 95 year old lady attends the emergency department having slipped against her zimmer frame, hitting her right shin. Examination reveals a 10cm haematoma with no break to the skin. Given the site and size of the haematoma you feel there is a risk of infection developing in the haematoma before it resolves. You therefore arrange clinic follow up and give her prophylactic flucloxacillin. On discussing the case the next day it becomes apparent that a number of colleagues wouldn't have bothered with the antibiotics. You decide to check the literature to see who is right.

Search Strategy

Medline 1966-03/04 and CINAHL 1980-03/04 using the OVID interface.
Medline: [{exp Hematoma OR haematoma.af OR hematoma.af OR exp CONTUSIONS OR contusion.af} AND {exp TIBIA OR tibia$.af OR shin.af OR exp LEG OR leg.af} AND {exp Anti-Bacterial Agents OR antibiotic.af. OR anti-biotic.af. OR infection.af}] LIMIT to English language.
CINAHL: [{exp Hematoma OR haematoma.af OR hematoma.af OR exp CONTUSIONS OR contusion.af} AND {exp TIBIA OR tibia$.af OR shin.af OR exp LEG OR leg.af} AND {exp Antibiotics OR antibiotic.af. OR anti-biotic.af. OR infection.af}] LIMIT to English language.

Search Outcome

Altogether 65 papers found on Medline, 30 on CINAHL none of which answered the three part question.

Comment(s)

There are no trials of any kind looking at the use of prophylactic antibiotics on the incidence of infections or complications in patients with pretibial haematomas.

Clinical Bottom Line

There is no evidence to confirm/refute the use of antibiotics in pre-tibial haematoma, local guidelines should be followed.