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.

Keywords: Antibiotic duration; Diabetes; Diabetic foot osteomyelitis; Osteomyelitis.