Clindamycin — an Option for Antibiotic Prophylaxis In Arthroplasty

Introduction: Generally joint arthroplasties, but especially hip arthroplasties, are perhaps the most widespread types of orthopedic surgeries. These types of interventions are special because of the possibility of bacterial complications occurring due to the implant.
Material and method: Between 2008–2009 a total of 48 patients were administered Clindamycin 600 mg iv, as antibiotic prophylaxis, specifying that administration was performed according to the international protocol. During follow-up we monitored the efficiency of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in patients by determining the C-reactive protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Results: The patients’ postoperative evolution at the site of the surgical wound presented no complications, except two cases of wound dehiscence caused by superficial hematoma which were subsequently solved with a secondary suture.
Conclusions: Clindamycin is used for preventive purposes especially in those protocols where beta-lactam allergy occurs. Clindamycin can also be used instead of cephalosporins in perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Our results are in accordance with those met in the speciality literature.