Using antibiotics to prevent infections after jaw surgery

The Use of Single Dose vs Short-Term Peri-Operative Cefazolin in the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection Following Orthognathic Surgery

Phase 4 Interventional Nova Scotia Health Authority · NCT05852158

This study tests whether giving antibiotics before and after jaw surgery can help prevent infections in patients who are having surgery to fix jaw and facial problems.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages16 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other
Locations1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Trial IDNCT05852158 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of peri-operative antibiotics in reducing the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) following orthognathic surgery, which aims to correct jaw and facial deformities. The study will involve administering Cefazolin injections to patients undergoing these procedures, focusing on optimizing antibiotic protocols to minimize infection rates. Participants will be monitored for SSI occurrences post-surgery to evaluate the impact of the antibiotic regimen. The trial aims to establish a more effective approach to antibiotic use in this surgical context.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 16 and older with ASA physical status classifications 1 and 2 who are scheduled for orthognathic surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with ASA classifications 3 and higher, recent antibiotic use, or those with systemic infections or immunosuppression may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the rate of infections following orthognathic surgery, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that peri-operative antibiotics can reduce SSI rates in similar surgical contexts, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients ASA 1 and 2 over the age of 16 undergoing orthognathic surgery will be offered participation in this study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients ASA 3 and higher, use of antibiotics in the preceding 2 weeks, presence of systemic, oral, or odontogenic infections, patients in a state of immunosuppression as a result of medications or systemic disease, patients with allergies to penicillins or cephalosporins, and patients who lack capacity for informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Orthognathic Surgical Site InfectionOrthognathic SurgerySurgical Site InfectionPeri-Operative AntibioticsPost-Operative AntibioticsPre-Operative AntibioticsAntibiotic ProphylaxisCefazolin
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.