The use of prophylactic antibiotics in podiatric foot and ankle surgery

Abstract

Abstract Objective Infection is a common and serious complication following surgery. Whether antibiotic prophylaxis reduces infection rates in podiatric foot and ankle surgery is unclear. The aim of this prospective cohort study therefore, was to determine the impact of antibiotic use on infection rates following podiatric foot and ankle surgery. Methods Data from 4238 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery between January 2014 and January 2016 were analysed. Infections within the first 30 days following surgery were recorded according to the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons national audit descriptors. Logistic regression analyses were undertaken to determine whether antibiotic prophylaxis decreased the rate of surgical site infection. Results Of the 4238 patient records, 4140 records (98%) provided complete data (aged 2–92 years, mean 48.9 ± SD 19.6, 1124 males, and 3016 females). A total of 79 infections (1.9% infection rate) were reported. More experienced surgeons documented a lower rate of infection (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.17–0.72, P Conclusion Surgeon experience may influence infection rates in podiatric foot and ankle surgical practice, and the use of perioperative antibiotics may reduce the risk of infection. The use or addition of postoperative antibiotics does not reduce infection rates, and should be used by podiatric surgeons with caution.