The antibiotic treatment of gunshot wounds

The antibiotic treatment of gunshot wounds continues to evolve. As gunshot wounds become more prevalent, cost-effective treatment protocols gain greater importance. The basic principles in the management of gunshot wounds include treatment of the soft tissue wound, fracture stabilization, and antibiotic administration. Although the use of antibiotics is only one aspect of the prevention of infection, the appropriate administration remains one of the most controversial aspects of gunshot wound treatment. While the high velocity injury continues to require more aggressive treatment, the management of the low velocity wounds has become more conservative. The purpose of this article is to review the use of antibiotics in the care of gunshot injuries.