Warning

Clinical features

  • Fracture associated with a wound or a skin break

Investigations

  • Swab from wound

Infection Control

Basic universal precautions

Treatment

CO-AMOXICLAV IV 1.2g 8 hourly

If true penicillin allergy:

CLINDAMYCIN IV 600mg 6 hourly

Duration: 72 hours OR until skin closure

Check tetanus vaccination status and consider need for booster vaccine dose or tetanus immunoglobulin.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 21/04/2026

Next review date: 21/04/2029