The prevention of wound infections with the use of local antibiotics.

The local use of kanamycin, a broad spectrum antibiotic, has been successful in preventing primary wound infections. There have been no instances of drug reaction or sensitivity when kanamycin is used as a dilute topical irrigating solution. Secondary wound infections, which occurred in two cases, responded to local and systemic antibiotic therapy. Kanamycin can be recommended as an effective and safe topical antibiotic to prevent wound infections in foot surgery.