Antibiotic prophylaxis in primary hip and knee arthroplasty: comparison between cefuroxime and two specific antistaphylococcal agents

Abstract

This is a prospective randomized study comparing cefuroxime to 2 antistaphylococal agents (fusidic acid and vancomycin), for prophylaxis in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in an institute, where methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) prevalence exceeds 25% of orthopedic infections. There were 3 patient groups. Group A included the patients who received cefuroxime, group B those who received fusidic acid, and group C those who received vancomycin. Patients were evaluated for the presence of superficial and/or deep infection at the surgical site. Statistical analysis did not reveal any substantial difference between the 3 groups. We do not recommend the use of specific antistaphylococcal agents for prophylactic use in primary THA and TKA, even in institution where MRSA and MRSE exceed 25% of orthopedic infections.