Sinus Augmentation Failure and Postoperative Infections Associated with Prophylactic Clindamycin Therapy: An Observational Case Series.

PURPOSE: This observational study was based on a series of clinical cases in which failure of sinus augmentations occurred in patients who received prophylactic clindamycin therapy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Between the years 2006 and 2010, a retrospective observational study was performed. The study consisted of 1,874 patients (723 males and 1,151 females) in whom sinus augmentations were performed prior to placement of dental implants.

RESULTS

In nine (0.48%) patients (four males and five females), infection of the graft material inside the sinus floor occurred, and six patients developed an abscess in the site of surgery, 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. In three patients, a buccal fistula with pus draining was observed 5 to 8 weeks postoperatively. In all patients, the source of infection was from the grafted material within the sinus. A common manifestation in all nine patients was that they had self-reported penicillin allergy and had been prescribed clindamycin (300 mg every 6 hours for 10 days).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic clindamycin therapy following sinus augmentation procedures seems to be a risk factor for infections and loss of grafting material following these surgical techniques.