Short duration of post-amputation antibiotic therapy in diabetic foot patients with total resection of osteomyelitis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Short duration of post-amputation antibiotic therapy (2-5 days) is recommended in patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis after total resection of infected bone tissue. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of short-duration post-amputation antibiotic therapy in diabetic patients with total resection of osteomyelitis assessed by sterile bone bacteriological samples obtained from the resection margin. METHODS: The endpoint was the absence of osteomyelitis relapse at 6 months, defined as recurrence of osteomyelitis with the need for surgical revision and/or new bone antibiotic therapy. RESULTS: Among 15 patients included, 12 (80%) were cured without recurrence of osteomyelitis at 6 months, with a mean duration of antibiotic therapy of 8.3±5.9 days post surgery. This result is comparable to literature data, while all of them reported longer duration of antibiotic therapy and/or shorter follow-up. CONCLUSION: Short duration of post-amputation antibiotic therapy in diabetic patients with sterile bacteriological samples obtained from resection margin seems effective.