| Mendelow AD et al, 1983, Edinburgh | 223 patients were admitted to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (head and spinal injury unit) with depressed fracture of the skull over the 8-year period 1971-1978. 176 patients with compound depressed skull fracture. | Retrospective study | 107 patient had ampicillin and sulphonamide, one patient developed meningitis and ventriculitis. 45 patients had other prophylactic antibiotics. four developed meningitis and brain abscess. 19 patient had no antibiotics, one developed meningitis | Early treatment with ampicillin and sulphonamide, in addition to adequate surgical debridement, is recommended in patient with compound depressed skull fractures. | The group designated (other combinations) was made up of patient on a variety of antibiotics, the number on each antibiotic being too small for individual analysis. They accepted that, there are other factors related to the occurrence of the infection. |