Evaluation of therapeutic trials published apropos of antibiotic prophylaxis in orthopedic surgery

: The authors review all the randomized clinical trials published since 1970 which evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery. Evaluation of the quality of these trials was based on two clinical and four methodological criteria. They also take into account reports which aim to define the best antibiotic prophylactic protocol, particularly with regard to the duration of treatment. In conclusion, although the majority of trials do not escape criticism, the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery can be considered as demonstrated. The duration of treatment is still an open problem. At the present time, the duration of drainage defines the length of antibiotherapy.