PURPOSE: A systematic review was performed to find evidence for prophylactic administration of antibiotics in relation to treatment of maxillofacial fractures.

METHODS: Four studies were retrieved that fulfilled most of the requirements of being randomized controlled clinical trials.

RESULTS: An analysis of these studies showed a 3-fold decrease in the infection rate of mandibular fractures in the antibiotic treated groups compared with the control groups. A variety of antibiotics had been used with an apparently uniform effect. A "1-shot" regimen or a 1-day treatment course had a similar or perhaps even better effect than 7 days of treatment. No infections were related to condylar, maxillary, or zygoma fractures.

CONCLUSION: A 1-shot or 1-day administration of prophylactic antibiotics seem to be the best documented to reduce infections in the management of mandibular fractures not involving the condylar region.