To make an inoculum for induction of Implant-Associated Osteomyelitis (IAO) in pigs based on bacterial aggregates resembling those found on the human skin, i.e. aggregates of 5–15 µm with low metabolic activity. The aggregates were evaluated and compared to a standard planktonic bacterial inoculum. The porcine Aim
Method
To develop a new system for antibacterial coating of joint prosthesis and osteosynthesis material. The new coating system was designed to release gentamicin immediately after insertion to eradicate surgical contamination. Steel implants (2×15mm) were coated with a solid nanocomposite xerogel made from silica and the dendritic polymer, hyperbranched polyethyleneimine. The xerogel was anchored inside a porous surface made by pre-coating with titanium microspheres. Finally, gentamicin was encapsulated in the xerogel, i.e. no chemical binding. A total of 50 µg gentamicin was captured into each implant. The efficacy of the new coating was evaluated in a porcine model of implant associated osteomyelitis. In total, 30 female pigs were randomized into 3 study groups (n=10). Group A; plain implants + saline, Group B; plain implants + 104 CFU of Aim
Method