Abstract
To assess the efficacy of stabilising a femur following debridement of established osteomyelitis with a silver coated titanium plate.
A 19 year old male, with an established staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis of the proximal femur, was treated with debridement and stabilisation of the proximal femur with a silver coated titanium plate, and intravenous then oral antibiotics.
The plate was removed six months postoperatively. Specimens were obtained for microbiology, histology and the implant sent for electron microscopic examination. Serum silver levels were obtained pre and post implantation and following plate removal.
The debrided defect of the femur healed. Specimens obtained at the time of removal showed no evidence of infection, either on culture or electron microscopic examination. Serum silver levels remained well below occupational safety guidelines.
This is an encouraging preliminary report of the potential for stabilisation of established osteomyelitis or infected non-union with a silver coated titanium implant.
The abstracts were prepared by Jean-Claude Theis. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
