Aim. To compare pre-referral microbiology and previous bone excision in long bone osteomyelitis with intra-operative microbiology from a specialist centre. Method. A prospective observational cohort study of patients referred to a single tertiary centre who met the following criteria: (i) aged ≥18 years, (ii) received surgery for long bone osteomyelitis and (iii) met diagnostic criteria for long bone osteomyelitis. Patient demographics, referral microbiology and previous surgical history were collected at the time of initial clinic appointment. During surgery, a minimum of 5 intra-operative deep tissue samples were sent for microbiology. Antimicrobial options were classified from the results of susceptibility testing using the BACH classification of long bone osteomyelitis as either Ax (unknown or culture negative), A1 (good options available) or A2 (limited options available). The cultures and susceptibility of pre-referral microbiology were compared to the new intra-operative sampling results. In addition, an association between previous osteomyelitis excision and antimicrobial options were investigated. Results. 79 patients met inclusion criteria during the study period. From these, 39 (49.4%) patients had information available at referral regarding microbiology obtained from either sinus swab (n=16), bone biopsy (n=11), previous osteomyelitis excision sampling (n=7), aspiration (n=4) or blood culture (n=1). From these 39 patients, microbiology information at referral fully matched microbiology samples taken at operation in 8 cases (20.5%). Fifteen of the 39 patients (38.5%) had a different species isolated at surgery compared to referral microbiology. The remaining 16 patients (41.0%) had a culture-negative osteomyelitis on surgical sampling. Based on the microbiology obtained in our centre, 35 patients were classified as A1 (44.3%), 15 as A2 (18.9%) and 29 as culture negative, Ax (36.7%). Patients who had received previous excision of osteomyelitis before referral (n=32, 40.5%) had an increased odds ratio (OR) of having microbiology with limited antimicrobial options compared to those undergoing primary osteomyelitis excision (OR: 3.8, 95% CI 1.2 – 11.2, P=0.023, Fisher's exact test). Conclusions. Patients are frequently referred with limited microbiological information. Pre-referral microbiology in long bone osteomyelitis correlated with intra-operative samples taken at our centre in less than one quarter of cases. Pre-referral microbiology data should be used with caution for planning treatment in osteomyelitis. Previous surgery for osteomyelitis was associated with microbiology culture with limited antimicrobial treatment options

Introduction. Patients with long-bone osteomyelitis are frequently referred with limited microbiological information. This study compared pre-referral microbiology in long bone osteomyelitis with intra-operative microbiology from a specialist centre. Materials and Methods. All patients referred to a single tertiary centre between February 2019 and February 2020, aged ≥18 years and received surgery for confirmed long-bone osteomyelitis were included. Patient demographics, referral microbiology and previous surgical history were collected at the time of initial clinic appointment. During surgery, a minimum of 5 intra-operative deep tissue samples were sent for microbiology. Antimicrobial options were classified from the results of susceptibility testing using the BACH classification of long bone osteomyelitis as either Ax (unknown or culture negative), A1 (good options available) or A2 (limited options available). The cultures and susceptibility of pre-referral microbiology were compared to the new intra-operative sampling results. In addition, an association between previous osteomyelitis excision and antimicrobial options were investigated. Results. 79 patients met inclusion criteria during the study period. From these, 39 (49.4%) patients had information available at referral regarding microbiology obtained from either sinus swab (n–16), bone biopsy (n–11), previous osteomyelitis excision sampling (n–7), aspiration (n–4) or blood culture (n–1). From these 39 patients, microbiology information at referral fully matched microbiology samples taken at operation in 8 cases (20.5%). Fifteen of the 39 patients (38.5%) had a different species isolated at surgery compared to referral microbiology. The remaining 16 patients (41.0%) had a culture-negative osteomyelitis on surgical sampling. Based on the microbiology obtained in our centre, 35 patients were classified as A1 (44.3%), 15 as A2 (18.9%) and 29 as culture negative, Ax (36.7%). Patients who had received previous excision of osteomyelitis before referral (n–32, 40.5%) had an increased odds ratio (OR) of having microbiology with limited antimicrobial options compared to those undergoing primary osteomyelitis excision (OR: 3.8, 95% CI 1.2–11.2, P–0.023, Fisher's exact test). Conclusions. Pre-referral microbiology correlated with intra-operative samples taken at our centre in less than one quarter of cases of long-bone osteomyelitis. Previous failed surgery for osteomyelitis was associated with increased antimicrobial resistance, reducing options for effective treatment

Aims. This study aimed to evaluate the BioFire Joint Infection (JI) Panel in cases of hip and knee periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) where conventional microbiology is unclear, and to assess its role as a complementary intraoperative diagnostic tool. Methods. Five groups representing common microbiological scenarios in hip and knee revision arthroplasty were selected from our arthroplasty registry, prospectively maintained PJI databases, and biobank: 1) unexpected-negative cultures (UNCs), 2) unexpected-positive cultures (UPCs), 3) single-positive intraoperative cultures (SPCs), and 4) clearly septic and 5) aseptic cases. In total, 268 archived synovial fluid samples from 195 patients who underwent acute/chronic revision total hip or knee arthroplasty were included. Cases were classified according to the International Consensus Meeting 2018 criteria. JI panel evaluation of synovial fluid was performed, and the results were compared with cultures. Results. The JI panel detected microorganisms in 7/48 (14.5%) and 15/67 (22.4%) cases related to UNCs and SPCs, respectively, but not in cases of UPCs. The correlation between JI panel detection and infection classification criteria for early/late acute and chronic PJI was 46.6%, 73%, and 40%, respectively. Overall, the JI panel identified 12.6% additional microorganisms and three new species. The JI panel pathogen identification showed a sensitivity and specificity of 41.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 33.7 to 49.5) and 91.1% (95% CI 84.7 to 94.9), respectively. In total, 19/195 (9.7%) could have been managed differently and more accurately upon JI panel evaluation. Conclusion. Despite its microbial limitation, JI panel demonstrated clinical usefulness by complementing the traditional methods based on multiple cultures, particularly in PJI with unclear microbiological results. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(7):353–361

Aim: To identify the microbiology of infected knee arthroplasty, emerging patterns of resistance over the last decade, and suggest appropriate empirical treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 121 patients with microbiologically proven infection, who underwent revision TKA between 1994–2008. The causative organism was identified from microbiological samples and the corresponding sensitivities recorded. The data was then collated to determine the most common causative organisms, changing patterns of antibiotic resistance over the time frame, and the antibiotics currently most effective at treating deep infection. A theoretical model combining gentamicin with other antibiotics was used to determine the most effective antibiotics for use as empirical treatments. Results: Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CNS) was the most common causative organism (49%). Staphylococcus aureus (SA) accounted for 13% of cases. The prevalence of CNS appears to be increasing, while that of SA and other organisms is decreasing. Vancomycin and teicoplanin were the most effective antibiotics with overall sensitivity rates of 100% and 96% respectively. Levels of resistance were significantly higher among the antibiotics commonly used in the community. Antimicrobial resistance was higher when the causative organism was CNS, suggesting that MRSE is becoming a problem in knee arthroplasty. Our theoretical model showed that gentamicin combined with vancomycin would be the most effective empirical treatment. Conclusion: Understanding the microbiology of deep infection of the knee allows surgeons to treat this complication as effectively as possible. Vancomycin and tei-coplanin appear to be the most effective antimicrobials, with relative invulnerability to the development of resistance. Given the effectiveness of these antibiotics, the use of vancomycin in gentamicin bone cement, combined with IV teicoplanin potentially allows for infected knee arthoplasties to be treated with a one-stage procedure. The rational use of antibiotics may help limit the amount of antibiotic resistance which develops in the future

Aim: To identify the microbiology of infected knee arthroplasty, emerging patterns of resistance over the last decade, and suggest appropriate empirical treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 121 patients with microbiologically proven infection, who underwent revision TKA between 1994–2008. The causative organism was identified from microbiological samples and the corresponding sensitivities recorded. The data was then collated to determine the most common causative organisms, changing patterns of antibiotic resistance over the time frame, and the antibiotics currently most effective at treating deep infection. A theoretical model combining gentamicin with other antibiotics was used to determine the most effective antibiotics for use as empirical treatments. Results: Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CNS) was the most common causative organism (49%). Staphylococcus aureus (SA) accounted for 13% of cases. The prevalence of CNS appears to be increasing, while that of SA and other organisms is decreasing. Vancomycin and teicoplanin were the most effective antibiotics with overall sensitivity rates of 100% and 96% respectively. Levels of resistance were significantly higher among the antibiotics more commonly used in the community. Antimicrobial resistance was higher when the causative organism was CNS, suggesting that multi-drug resistant CNS is becoming a problem in knee arthroplasty. Our theoretical model showed that gentamicin combined with vancomycin would be the most effective empirical treatment. Conclusion: Understanding the microbiology of deep infection of the knee allows surgeons to treat this complication as effectively as possible. Vancomycin and teicoplanin appear to be the most effective antimicrobials, with relative invulnerability to the development of resistance. Given the effectiveness of these antibiotics, the use of vancomycin in gentamicin bone cement, combined with IV teicoplanin potentially allows for infected knee arthoplasties to be treated with a one-stage procedure. The rational use of antibiotics may help limit the amount of antibiotic resistance which develops in the future

Aim. This study quantified changes in the microbiology of osteomyelitis in a single specialist centre within the UK. The rate of infection with multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria was measured over a ten year period in 388 patients. Method. Patients with confirmed osteomyelitis who received curative surgery from 2013–2017 were included (n=222). Microbiology was compared to patients from a cohort between 2001–2004, using the same diagnostic criteria (n=166). 1. The proportion of MDR bacterial pathogens. 2. from deep tissue culture in these cohorts were compared. Pathogens were analysed according to aetiology and the presence of metal-work. Results. Both cohorts had similar baseline characteristics. A median of five tissue samples were submitted for each patient. The proportions of specific pathogens remained unchanged between the two cohorts, with the exception of a decrease in the proportion of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) (12.7% vs 5.3%, p<0.05). Although the overall proportion of Staphylococcus aureus remained similar, the rate of MRSA infection decreased in the 2013–2017 cohort when compared to the 2001–2004 cohort (30.7% vs. 10.5% of Staphylococcus aureus, p<0.05). However, the proportion of MDR Enterococcus, Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae did not differ between the two cohorts (37.3% vs. 35.7%). There were no differences in microbiology of the 2013–2017 cohort that related to presence of metal-work or aetiology of infection. A higher proportion of haematogenous osteomyelitis were culture-negative compared to other aetiologies (37.1% versus 20.3%). Conclusions. In this UK centre over the past 10 years, rates of MRSA osteomyelitis have fallen by two thirds, which is in line with the reducing rate of MRSA bacteraemia nationally. However, the proportion of other MDR bacteria remained unchanged. A decrease in the proportion of CoNS may reflect improved sampling technique and culture. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that classification by aetiology or the presence of metal-work does not predict the pathogen in adults with chronic osteomyelitis

Aim. Analysis of the effect of administration of antibiotics before collection of microbiology samples in patients with septic arthritis of the native and prosthetic knee. Method and Results. A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of septic arthritis of the knee. There were 27 infections in 26 native knees and 27 infections in 26 prosthetic knees. Sixty-three percent of the native knees had received antibiotics prior to collection of microbiology samples. Fifty-three percent of these grew an organism from at least one of their aspirate, washout fluid or swab. Of the 37% that did not have antibiotics 100% grew an organism. There was no difference in the type or length of treatment required between the groups. Forty-one percent of the prosthetic knees had received antibiotics prior to collection of microbiology samples. Forty-five percent of these had an organism identified. Of the 59% that did not have antibiotics 81% had an organism identified. Overall 67% had an organism isolated, fifty-six percent of these retained their implant. Thirty-three percent of those with no organism identified retained their implant. Conclusion. Administration of antibiotics before samples have been collected for microbiology has a significant effect on the likelihood of isolating a responsible organism in both native and prosthetic knees. This does not have an effect on the outcome in the native knee but does have a significant effect in the prosthetic knee

Introduction. Spinal infections constitute a spectrum of disease comprising pyogenic, tuberculous, nonpyogenic-nontuberculous and postoperative spinal infections. The aim of this study was to review the epidemiology, diagnostic yield of first and second biopsy procedures and microbiology trends from Sheffield Spinal Infection Database along with analysing prognostic predictors in spinal infections. Materials & methods. Sheffield Spinal Infection Database collects data prospectively from regularly held Spinal infection MDTs. We accrued 125 spinal infections between September 2008 and October 2010. The medical records, blood results, radiology and bacteriology results of all patients identified were reviewed. In patients with negative first biopsy, second biopsy is contemplated and parenteral broad spectrum antibiotic treatment initiated. Results. There were 81 pyogenic, 16 tuberculous and 28 postoperative spinal infections. The mean age was 58.4 years (range, 19 to 88 years). There were 71 male and 54 female patients. There were 64 lumbar and 26 thoracic infections. Two level and multi-level spinal infections involving more than two segments occurred in 30 patients. Of sixty positive microbiology yields, the most common organism was methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus (n-23) followed by Streptococcal, E Coli and Coagulase negative staphylococcal and Pseudomonas infections. Second biopsy (done when first biopsy negative) was only positive in two patients. Conclusions. Annual incidence of de novo spinal infection was 48 (pyogenic-40, tuberculous-8). The most frequently isolated pathogen was Staphyloccus aureus. Multi-level infection, diabetic patients, resistant TB and postop infection in elderly patients constituted the ‘difficult to treat’ group in our experience. An algorithm for the diagnostic work-up and management of spinal infections is proposed

Introduction. Spinal infections constitute a spectrum of disease comprising pyogenic, tuberculous, nonpyogenic-nontuberculous and postoperative spinal infections. The aim of this study was to review the epidemiology, diagnostic yield of first and second biopsy procedures and microbiology trends from Sheffield Spinal Infection Database along with analysing prognostic predictors in spinal infections. Materials and Methods. Sheffield Spinal Infection Database collects data prospectively from regularly held Spinal infection MDTs. We accrued 125 spinal infections between September 2008 and October 2010. The medical records, blood results, radiology and bacteriology results of all patients identified were reviewed. In patients with negative first biopsy, second biopsy is contemplated and parenteral broad spectrum antibiotic treatment initiated. Results. There were 81 pyogenic, 16 tuberculous and 28 postoperative spinal infections. The mean age was 58.4 years (range, 19 to 88 years). There were 71 male and 54 female patients. There were 64 lumbar and 26 thoracic infections. Two level and multi-level spinal infections involving more than two segments occurred in 30 patients. Of sixty positive microbiology yields, the most common organism was methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus (n-23) followed by Streptococcal, E Coli and Coagulase negative staphylococcal and Pseudomonas infections. Second biopsy (done when first biopsy negative) was only positive in two patients. Conclusions. Annual incidence of de novo spinal infection was 48 (pyogenic-40, tuberculous-8). The most frequently isolated pathogen was Staphyloccus aureus. Multi-level infection, diabetic patients, resistant TB and postop infection in elderly patients constituted the ‘difficult to treat’ group in our experience. An algorithm for the diagnostic work-up and management of spinal infections is proposed

We retrospectively analysed three hundred and one infected total hip replacements. Infection was defined on the basis of the surgeons clinical impression. This included a thorough history and physical examination, laboratory and radiographic evaluation. Peri operative findings were also taken into consideration. Despite the overt appearances of sepsis fifty seven of these three hundred and one cases demonstrated no bacterial growth. These were excluded from the microbiological analysis. The remaining two hundred and forty four cases oven bacteriological evidence of deep infection. Thirty seven cases grew two different organisms both of which were felt to be clinically significant. The remainder grew a single organism. Hence a total two hundred and eighty one bacteriological isolates were grown. Coagulase negative staphylococcus accounted for 54.8%, staphylococcus aureus 13.5%, streptococci 8.9%, Escherichia coli 6.1% and diptheroids 2.5%.These organisms were plated out in a standard fashion against a variety of antimicrobial agents. We analysed ten antibiotics and their sensitivity profiles against the spectrum of organisms demonstrated by this series. Best antimicrobial coverage by a single antibiotic was afforded by fucidic acid (85.3%) and erythromycin (79.6%). Gentamicin was found to be sensitive to only 76.1% of the bacteria present at the time of revision for deep infection. Combining gentamicin with other antibiotics improved the theoretical coverage. A combination of gentamicin and fucidic acid demonstrated a 97.5% coverage. Gentamicin with erythromycin gave 95.2%. When treating the infected arthroplasty it may be beneficial to add extra antibiotics to bone cement. This may either be to the cement spacer in a two stage revision or to the definitive cement in a single stage revision. We would suggest that fucidic acid or erythromycin would be good candidates for this. These candidates should also be considered when designing the next generation of combination antibiotic acrylic bone cements

Two major challenges in arthroplasty are obesity and antibiotic resistance. This study was performed to characterise the organisms responsible for deep infection following total hip arthroplasty and to determine if obesity affected the microbiology profile. A retrospective analysis of the national surgical site infection register was made to obtain data regarding deep infection following 10948 primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) from 1998–2013, with a minimum of 2 year follow-up. Of all the primary THAs performed, there were 108 deep infections (56 patients had a BMI >30 (obese) and 52 patients <30). There were no significant differences between cardio-respiratory disease, smoking and alcohol status, and diabetes between the 2 groups. Over the last 15 years, staphylococcus aureus continues to be the most frequently isolated organism. Infection with multiple organisms was found exclusively in obese patients. Furthermore, in obese patients, there was a linear increase with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections and streptococcus viridans. On this basis, we recommend careful selection of antibiotic therapy in obese patients, rather than empirical therapy, which can be especially important if there is no growth in an infected THA. In addition, a preoperative discussion regarding dental prophylaxis against streptococcus viridans may be warranted

Aim

We reviewed a cohort of individuals with recurrent orthopaedic infection to describe the relative rates of microbial persistence vs re-infection at recurrence surgery.

Introduction:. Diabetic ulcer superficial swab cultures have a low specificity for guiding antibiotic treatment. Some studies have recently re-assessed and advocated the role of superficial swabs. We have performed an analysis of microbiology results in patients with infected diabetic ulcers to further appraise the need for using deep tissue cultures as a guide for antimicrobial treatment. Methods:. We reviewed 23 consecutive diabetic patients in 2013. All patients underwent investigation and treatment by the Orthopaedic department for deep, intractable diabetic ulceration. Microbiology culture results from superficial swabs were compared to deep tissue and bone biopsies. Results:. The mean numbers of isolates from soft tissue and bone biopsies were 2.1 and 1.8 respectively (range 1–4). The most prevalent organisms seen in deep samples were anaerobes (9 patients), Staphylococcus aureus (8 patients) and entrococci (4 patients). In superficial swabs, 74% cultured non-specific, mixed skin flora and enteric species. The remaining 6 patients cultured Staphylococcus aureus alone (1), with Steptococcus (2), Pseudomonas (2) and MRSA (1). All 23 soft tissue biopsies were culture positive, 19 bone biopsies were positive of which 14 grew the same organisms of soft tissue cultures. In deep tissue/ bone biopsies, 13/23 patients cultured specifically organisms that were seen non-specifically in superficial swab cultures. However, in 10 patients deep tissue specimens, grew organisms that were not cultured from superficial swabs with 6 of these being anaerobes. Conclusion:. We have shown that in 43% of cases, deep tissue cultures isolated organisms that were not grown by superficial swab cultures. In 26% of these cases the organism was an anaerobe favouring deep, low oxygen tension environments. We refute recent evidence claiming the value of superficial swabs. We implore physicians treating patients with these ulcers to refer to an Orthopaedic surgeon to perform deep tissue biopsies and treat according to their culture results

Background: In recent years there has been an increase in the insertion of prosthetic devices in orthopaedics. In spite of improvements in surgical techniques and antibiotic prophylaxis, the absolute number of infectious complications is high. Infections have a negative impact in patient’s quality of life and have high costs of management. Patients and Methods: Retrospective analysis of diagnosis, aetiology, and therapy of prosthetic devices infections observed from 1985 to 1999 in the operative unit for diagnosis and treatment of Infections in orthopaedics of Ospedale S. Corona- Pietra Ligure (SV). Results: During the study period, 251 patients with infected hip prosthesis and 133 with infected knee prosthesis had been treated. Diagnosis of infection was made by means of clinical features supported by x-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasonography and radio-nuclide scan. Aetiology was established by microbiological culture and histology. The majority of cases were single agent infections due to Gram-positives, especially S. aureus and S epidermidis, isolated in 41% of hip and 53% of knee prosthesis infection, while P. aeruginosa represented the most frequently isolated Gram-negative (3% in hip prosthesis and 10.6 % in kne prosthesis). Polymicrobial infections (with constant presence of S. aureus and/or S. epidermidis) accounted for 8% of hip and 7% of knee prosthesis infections. Treatment was represented by prolonged antibiotic administration (at least 8 weeks) associated with surgical debridment inacute infections, and two-stage exchange in chronic infections. In 23 hip infections in patients in poor clinical conditions or in suspected persistence of latent infection a new prosthesis was not replaced and Girdlestone’s hip arthroplasty was performed. Conclusions: Gram-positives are the main cause of orthopaedic infections but Gram-negatives, especially P aeruginosa, are often isolated. The treatment must necessarily be combined: antibiotic therapy and surgical treatment. Only in presence of optimal conditions a new prosthesis can be replaced

Aims

CERAMENT|G is an absorbable gentamicin-loaded biocomposite used as an on-site vehicle of antimicrobials for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the sole effect of CERAMENT|G, i.e. without additional systemic antimicrobial therapy, in relation to a limited or extensive debridement of osteomyelitis lesions in a porcine model.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to review the current evidence and future application for the role of diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound in fracture management. Methods. A review of relevant literature was undertaken, including articles indexed in PubMed with keywords “ultrasound” or “sonography” combined with “diagnosis”, “fracture healing”, “impaired fracture healing”, “nonunion”, “microbiology”, and “fracture-related infection”. Results. The use of ultrasound in musculoskeletal medicine has expanded rapidly over the last two decades, but the diagnostic use in fracture management is not routinely practised. Early studies have shown the potential of ultrasound as a valid alternative to radiographs to diagnose common paediatric fractures, to detect occult injuries in adults, and for rapid detection of long bone fractures in the resuscitation setting. Ultrasound has also been shown to be advantageous in the early identification of impaired fracture healing; with the advent of 3D image processing, there is potential for wider adoption. Detection of implant-related infection can be improved by ultrasound mediated sonication of microbiology samples. The use of therapeutic ultrasound to promote union in the management of acute fractures is currently a controversial topic. However, there is strong in vitro evidence that ultrasound can stimulate a biological effect with potential clinical benefit in established nonunions, which supports the need for further investigation. Conclusion. Modern ultrasound image processing has the potential to replace traditional imaging modalities in several areas of trauma practice, particularly in the early prediction of impaired fracture healing. Further understanding of the therapeutic application of ultrasound is required to understand and identify the use in promoting fracture healing. Cite this article: J. A. Nicholson, S. T. J. Tsang, T. J. MacGillivray, F. Perks, A. H. R. W. Simpson. What is the role of ultrasound in fracture management? Diagnosis and therapeutic potential for fractures, delayed unions, and fracture-related infection. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:304–312. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.87.BJR-2018-0215.R2

Purpose: Chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the femur is still a great challenge for medical treatment. Bacterial colonization after multi-fragment fractures often complicates and extends bone healing. Muti-modal management including hyperbaric oxygenotherapy and frequent lavage and debridement as well as use of systemically and locally applied antibiotics are needed to eradicate infection.

This study introduces our treatment regime for chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the femur and presents our results.

Material and Method: We reviewed 24 patients with posttraumatic osteomyelitis after femoral shaft fractures treated at our trauma center. We analyzed the bacterial spectrum, changes in bacterial spectrum during treatment, numbers of operative revisions and hyperoxygenotherapy cycles, as well as over all hospitalisation time, and outcome concerning bone healing.

Results: Staphylococci were the most frequently found bacteria at first revision, followed by Enterobacter species. Average length of treatment was 8.3 (1–29) months.

An average of 11.5 (2–32) operative revisions including intramedullar debridement were performed, additionally 10 patients underwent a mean of 29 (3–81) hyperoxygenotherapy cycles.

Re-Infection after treatment occured in 7 cases, in 2 patients amputation was needed to eradicate infection.

Conclusions: Our results show, that the chronic post-traumatic osteomyelitis of the femur is an insistent disease that needs to be treated interdisciplinary over a long period of time. Our treatment regime produces satisfying results. Individual solutions are necessary to reach an infection-free status.

Prior studies have compared the bacterial load observed in laminar flow operating theatres (LFOTs) and standard operating theatres (STOTs) by wound culture and air sampling during surgery. However many organisms responsible for low grade infection after THR are not readily identified on routine culture and may be detectable only by more sensitive techniques such as the poly-merase chain reaction (PCR). This study assessed the wound contamination rate during THRs and compared the results in STOT with that in LFOTs using PCR.

We recruited patients undergoing primary THR for osteoarthritis. Surgery was performed in either STOTs or LFOTs, using identical skin preparation solutions, surgical drapes and operating attire. Specimens of the deep tissue, taken at the beginning and end of surgery, were each immediately separated into two sterile containers, one sent for culture (aerobic, anaerobic and enriched meat broth) and the other frozen at minus 80 degrees Celsius for PCR at a later date.

In each theatre type, 40 specimens from 20 THRs were analysed by both PCR and culture. Using PCR, bacterial DNA was identified on 12 of 40 specimens (30%) from STOTs, of which 3 were taken at the start of surgery and 9 at the end of the surgery, giving a 45% wound contamination rate (9 of 20). Two specimens (5%), both taken at the end of surgery, were positive on enriched culture. In LFOTs, bacterial DNA was identified by PCR on 8 of 40 specimens (20%), of which 2 were taken at the start of surgery and 6 at the end of surgery, giving a 30% wound contamination rate (6 of 20). No specimens were positive on enriched culture.

Wound contamination of primary THR occurs frequently in both STOTs and LFOTs. Although STOTs showed evidence of more frequent wound contamination than LFOTs, with the numbers available, no significant difference was detected. These data remind us the importance of aseptic surgical technique as significant wound contamination can occur despite the use of ultra clean air operating theatres.

Treatment of open fractures is complex and controversial.

The purpose of the present study is to add evidence to the management of open tibial fractures, where tissue loss necessitates cover with a free flap. We identified factors that increase the risk of complications. We questioned whether early flap coverage improved the clinical outcome and whether we could improve our antibiotic treatment of open fractures. From 2002 to 2013 we treated 56 patients with an open tibial fracture covered with a free flap. We reviewed patient records and databases for type of trauma, smoking, time to tissue cover, infection, amputations, flap loss and union of fracture. We identified factors thatincrease the risk of complications. We analyzed the organisms cultured from open fractures to propose the optimal antibiotic prophylaxis.

Follow-up was minimum one year. Primary outcome was infection, bacterial sensitivity pattern, amputation, flap failure and union of the fracture.

When soft tissue cover was delayed beyond 7 days, infection rate increased from 27% to 60% (p<0.04). High-energy trauma patients had a higher risk of amputation, infection, flap failure and non-union. Smokers had a higher risk of non-union and flap failure. The bacteria found were often resistant to Cefuroxime, aminoglycosides or amoxicillin, but sensitive to Vancomycin or Meropenem.

Flap cover within one week is essential to avoid infection. High-energy trauma and smoking are important predictors of complications. We suggest antibiotic prophylaxis with Vancomycin and Meropenem until the wound is covered in these complex injuries.

The authors wish to thank Christian E Forrestal for secretarial assistance, spreadsheets and figures, MD Maria Petersen for academic feedback and typography.

Table: Culture results. Depicts the organisms isolated from the wounds, their number N and the number of bacteria that were fully susceptible to antibiotics according to the culture results in falling order on day 2–30 from the trauma. Most organisms were resistant to Cefuroxime. A blank space denotes that the organism was not tested against this antibiotic. A “0” denotes that the organism was not fully sensitive to the antibiotic.

Aim. Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is assessed using clinical history and examination, imaging studies and laboratory investigations which inform diagnostic tools such as that proposed by the European Bone and Joint Infection Society to determine the probability of infection. Infection is often confirmed by microbiology culture and histology from intraoperative samples, but ideally a diagnosis of infection is made preoperatively to guide management decisions. At our institution, a tertiary referral centre for PJI, ultrasound (US)-guided synovial biopsy is routinely used as an adjunct to preoperative joint aspiration. Our aim was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of microbiology and histology results from US-guided synovial biopsy samples when compared to intraoperative samples. Method. In this retrospective study we analysed all prosthetic hip and knee US-guided biopsies performed at our institution over a 5 year period between 2018 and 2022. Microbiology and histology results from preoperative biopsy samples were individually compared to microbiology and histology findings from intraoperative samples. Results. 381 biopsies were performed; 281 knee, 100 hip. US-guided biopsy results showed strong positive predictive values (PPVs) in hip biopsies (microbiology PPV (79.3%), histology PPV (85.7%)) and knee biopsies (microbiology PPV (77%), histology PPV (85%)). Biopsies showed low sensitivity in predicting intraoperative findings (hip microbiology sensitivity (62%), hip histology sensitivity (31%), knee microbiology sensitivity (70%), knee histology sensitivity (21%). Biopsies showed high specificity for knee (microbiology specificity (89%), histology specificity (97%)) and hip (microbiology specificity (73%), histology specificity (91%)). Conclusions. This study demonstrates that US-guided biopsy is a valuable diagnostic aid for PJI with high specificities and PPVs. Furthermore US-biopsy is valuable when there is limited fluid for aspiration