Musculoskeletal infection is a devastating complication in both trauma and elective orthopaedic surgeries that can result in significant morbidity. Aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and complications of local antibiotic impregnated dissolvable synthetic calcium sulphate beads (Stimulan Rapid Cure) in the hands of different surgeons from multiple centres in surgically managed bone and joint infections. Between January 2019 and December 2022, 106 patients with bone and joint infections were treated by five surgeons in five hospitals. Surgical debridement and calcium sulphate bead insertion was performed for local elution of antibiotics in high concentration. In all, 100 patients were available for follow-up at regular intervals. Choice of antibiotic was tailor made for each patient in consultation with microbiologist based on the organism grown on culture and the sensitivity. In majority of our cases, we used a combination of vancomycin and culture sensitive heat stable antibiotic after a thorough debridement of the site. Primary wound closure was achieved in 99 patients and a split skin graft closure was done in one patient. Mean follow-up was 20 months (12 to 30).Aims
Methods
Complex joint fractures of the lower extremity are often accompanied by soft-tissue swelling and are associated with prolonged hospitalization and soft-tissue complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of vascular impulse technology (VIT) on soft-tissue conditioning in comparison with conventional elevation. A total of 100 patients were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled monocentre study allocated to the three subgroups of dislocated ankle fracture (n = 40), pilon fracture (n = 20), and intra-articular calcaneal fracture (n = 40). Patients were randomized to the two study groups in a 1:1 ratio. The effectiveness of VIT (intervention) compared with elevation (control) was analyzed separately for the whole study population and for the three subgroups. The primary endpoint was the time from admission until operability (in days).Aims
Methods
