Despite the use of best aseptic surgical techniques maxillofacial fractures carry a high risk of wound infection which is greater as it has potential contamination with oral micro-flora. Studies on the use of prophylactic antibiotics have shown that there is a clear benefit to their use in preventing infection. However such studies did not establish a scientific basis for the duration of such use. One of the most common reason for misuse of prophylactic antibiotics is the excessive duration which can lead to increased bacterial resistance & prolonged use may also increase the risk of complication from super infection. This study was aimed to determine efficacy of 1 day vs. 5 days antibiotic course in lowering the rate of infection in postoperative patients of mandibular, lefort, & zygomatic fracturers, by comparing the incidence of infection.The study suggested that postoperative 1day or 5days of oral antibiotics does not give an impact on the infection rate. In this note, antibiotic resistance can be easily steered off, unethical use of antibiotics can be shunned and can also be cost effective.
