Local Application of a Gentamicin-Loaded Hydrogel Early After Injury Is Superior to Perioperative Systemic Prophylaxis in a Rabbit Open Fracture Model

Abstract

Early systemic antibiotic administration can significantly reduce bacterial burden in the operative field and reduce culture positivity at euthanasia when continued for 24 hours after injury. The early application of a gentamicin-loaded hydrogel that was removed during irrigation displayed superior efficacy to early systemic therapy alone and postoperative conventional gold standard 24-hour systemic therapy alone. These experimental results highlight the importance of early antibiotic administration in fracture care.