Systemic antibiotics reduce infection in open fractures. Local delivery of antibiotics can provide higher doses to wounds without toxic systemic effects. This study investigated the effect on infection of combining systemic with local antibiotics via polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads or gel delivery. An established Staphylococcus aureus contaminated fracture model in rats was used. Wounds were debrided and irrigated six hours after contamination and animals assigned to one of three groups, all of which received systemic antibiotics. One group had local delivery via antibiotic gel, another PMMA beads and the control group received no local antibiotics. After two weeks, bacterial levels were quantified. . Combined local and systemic antibiotics were superior to systemic antibiotics alone at reducing the quantity of bacteria recoverable from each group (p = 0.002 for gel; p = 0.032 for beads). There was no difference in the bacterial counts between bead and gel delivery (p = 0.62). . These results suggest that local antibiotics augment the antimicrobial effect of systemic antibiotics. Although no significant difference was found between vehicles, gel delivery offers technical advantages with its biodegradable nature, ability to conform to wound shape and to deliver increased doses. Further study is required to see if the gel delivery system has a clinical role. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1423–7

We undertook a retrospective case-control study to assess the clinical variables associated with infections in open fractures. A total of 1492 open fractures were retrieved; these were Gustilo and Anderson grade I in 663 (44.4%), grade II in 370 (24.8%), grade III in 310 (20.8%) and unclassifiable in 149 (10.0%). The median duration of prophylaxis was three days (interquartile range (IQR) 1 to 3), and the median number of surgical interventions was two (1 to 9). We identified 54 infections (3.6%) occurring at a median of ten days (IQR 5 to 20) after trauma. Pathogens intrinsically resistant to the empirical antibiotic regimen used (enterococci, Enterobacter spp, Pseudomonas spp) were documented in 35 of 49 cases (71%). In multivariable regression analyses, grade III fractures and vascular injury or compartment syndrome were significantly associated with infection. Overall, compared with one day of antibiotic treatment, two to three days (odds ratio (OR) 0.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2 to 2.0)), four to five days (OR 1.2 (95% CI 0.3 to 4.9)), or > five days (OR 1.4 (95% CI 0.4 to 4.4)) did not show any significant differences in the infection risk. These results were similar when multivariable analysis was performed for grade III fractures only (OR 0.3 (95% CI 0.1 to 3.4); OR 0.6 (95% CI 0.2 to 2.1); and OR 1.7 (95% CI 0.5 to 6.2), respectively). Infection in open fractures is related to the extent of tissue damage but not to the duration of prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Even for grade III fractures, a one-day course of prophylactic antibiotics might be as effective as prolonged prophylaxis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:831–7

Aims. Demineralised bone matrix (DBM) is rarely used for the local delivery of prophylactic antibiotics. Our aim, in this study, was to show that a graft with a bioactive glass and DBM combination, which is currently available for clinical use, can be loaded with tobramycin and release levels of antibiotic greater than the minimum inhibitory concentration for Staphylococcus aureus without interfering with the bone healing properties of the graft, thus protecting the graft and surrounding tissues from infection. Materials and Methods. Antibiotic was loaded into a graft and subsequently evaluated for drug elution kinetics and the inhibition of bacterial growth. A rat femoral condylar plug model was used to determine the effect of the graft, loaded with antibiotic, on bone healing. Results. We found that tobramycin loaded into a graft composed of bioglass and DBM eluted antibiotic above the minimum inhibitory concentration for three days in vitro. It was also found that the antibiotic loaded into the graft produced no adverse effects on the bone healing properties of the DBM at a lower level of antibiotic. Conclusion. This antibiotic-loaded bone void filler may represent a promising option for the delivery of local antibiotics in orthopaedic surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1126–31

Aims. There is increasing evidence to support the use of topical antibiotics to prevent surgical site infections. Although previous research suggests a minimal nephrotoxic risk with a single dose of vancomycin powder, fracture patients often require multiple procedures and receive additional doses of topical antibiotics. We aimed to determine if cumulative doses of intrawound vancomycin or tobramycin powder for infection prophylaxis increased the risk of drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) among fracture patients. Methods. This cohort study was a secondary analysis of single-centre Program of Randomized Trials to Evaluate Pre-operative Antiseptic Skin Solutions in Orthopaedic Trauma (PREP-IT) trial data. We included patients with a surgically treated appendicular fracture. The primary outcome was drug-induced AKI. The odds of AKI per gram of vancomycin or tobramycin powder were calculated using Bayesian regression models, which adjusted for measured confounders and accounted for the interactive effects of vancomycin and tobramycin. Results. Of the 782 included patients (mean age 48 years (SD 20); 59% male), 83% (n = 648) received at least one vancomycin dose (cumulative range 1 to 12 g). Overall, 45% of the sample received at least one tobramycin dose (cumulative range 1.2 to 9.6 g). Drug-induced AKI occurred in ten patients (1.2%). No association was found between the cumulative dose of vancomycin and drug-induced AKI (odds ratio (OR) 1.08 (95% credible interval (CrI) 0.52 to 2.14)). Additional doses of tobramycin were associated with a three-fold increase in the adjusted odds of drug-induced AKI (OR 3.66 (95% CrI 1.71 to 8.49)). Specifically, the risk of drug-induced AKI rose substantially after 4.8 g of tobramycin powder (7.5% (95% CrI 1.0 to 35.3)). Conclusion. Cumulative doses of vancomycin were not associated with an increased risk of drug-induced AKI among fracture patients. While the risk of drug-induced AKI remains less than 4% with three or fewer 1.2 g tobramycin doses, the estimated risk increases substantially to 8% after four cumulative doses. Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level III. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(4):284–290

Most animal studies indicate that early irrigation and debridement reduce infection after an open fracture. Unfortunately, these studies often do not involve antibiotics. Clinical studies indicate that the timing of initial debridement does not affect the rate of infection but these studies are observational and fraught with confounding variables. The purpose of this study was to control these variables using an animal model incorporating systemic antibiotics and surgical treatment. We used a rat femur model with a defect which was contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and treated with a three-day course of systemic cefazolin (5 mg/kg 12-hourly) and debridement and irrigation, both of which were initiated independently at two, six and 24 hour time points. After 14 days the bone and hardware were harvested for separate microbiological analysis. No animal that received antibiotics and surgery two hours after injury had detectable bacteria. When antibiotics were started at two hours, a delay in surgical treatment from two to six hours significantly increased the development of infection (p = 0.047). However, delaying surgery to 24 hours increase the rate of infection, but not significantly (p = 0.054). The timing of antibiotics had a more significant effect on the proportion of positive samples than earlier surgery. Delaying antibiotics to six or 24 hours had a profoundly detrimental effect on the infection rate regardless of the timing of surgery. These findings are consistent with the concept that bacteria progress from a vulnerable planktonic form to a treatment-resistant biofilm

Introduction. Despite the routine use of irrigation, debridement and systemic antibiotics, there is a high incidence of infection in severe open fractures. The synergistic use of local and systemic antibiotics appreciably reduces infection rates although the time window within which this is effective is unknown. The aim was to determine if delaying treatment of wounds causes higher levels of infection. Methods. A defect was created in the femurs of 90 Sprague-Dawley rats and inoculated with 105CFUs Staphylococcus aureus. At 2, 6 and 24 hours following contamination, the defect was irrigated and debrided. The experimental groups had either vancomycin or tobramycin impregnated PMMA beads placed within the segmental defect. The controls received no further treatment. Two weeks after wound closure, the bacteria within the femur were quantified. Results. Delaying irrigation and debridement resulted in significantly more bacteria (p<0.01) within the control group (2 hr < 6 hr <24 hr). Both locally delivered tobramycin and vancomycin significantly reduced the bacteria (p<0.05) when administered at the earlier time points (2 and 6 hours). Locally-delivered antibiotics were ineffective when delivered at 24 hours. Conclusion. Delaying treatment of contaminated defects reduces its effectiveness to eradicate infection. This is presumably because of the biofilm formation by the bacteria. Biofilms begin to form within a couple of hours and are mature within 12 hours. Early treatment of the wound allows the surgeon to physically remove the bacteria or have antibiotics present before a mature biofilm protects the bacteria

Introduction. Hip and knee arthroplasty present surgeons with difficult bone loss. In these cases the use of morselized allograft is a well established way of optimizing early implant fixation. In revisions, the surgical field is potentially infected. The use of allograft bone creates a “dead space” in which the immune system has impaired access, and even a small amount of bacteria may therefore theoretically increase the risk of infection. In vivo studies have shown that allograft bone is suitable as a vehicle of local antibiotic delivery. We hypothesized that the allograft bone could be used as a local antibiotic delivery vehicle without impairing the implant fixation, tested by mechanical push-out. Material and Methods. Following approval of the Institutional Animal Care and use Committee we implanted a cylindrical (10×6 mm) porous-coated Ti implant in each distal femur of 12 dogs observed for 4 weeks. The implants were surrounded by a circumferential gap of 2.5 mm impacted with a standardized volume of morselized allograft. In the two intervention groups, 0.2ml tobramycin solution of high (800mg/ml) and low (200mg/ml) concentration was added to the allograft, respectively. In the control group 0.2ml saline was added to the allograft. ANOVA-test was applied followed by paired t-test where appropriate. A p-value < 0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The impregnation of allograft bone revealed a relative decrease in biomechanical fixation. The decrease was higher in the high dose group than in the low dose group. The most extreme difference was a decrease in strength by 18% (P = 0,511), stiffness 15% (P = 0,135) and energy absorption 27% (P = 0,784). Conclusion. The result shows a trend towards a decrease in implant fixation correlating with the antibiotic concentration. Although the results are not statistically significant the use of antibiotic impregnation should be used with caution until further reaserch has been conducted

Aims. The use of local antibiotic carriers in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis is an important adjunct in dead space management. We present the outcomes of two different biodegradable antibiotic carriers used in the management of chronic osteomyelitis. Method. A single centre series between 2006–2017. The initial cohort (2006–2010) of 137 cases, Group A, had Osteoset® T (calcium sulphate carrier containing tobramycin). The second cohort (2013–1017) of 160 cases, group B, had CeramentTM G (biphasic calcium sulphate, nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite carrier containing gentamicin). Only Cierny-Mader Grade III and IV cases were included with a minimum six-month radiographic follow-up. Infection recurrence rate, wound leakage, subsequent fracture involving the treated segment, and radiographic void filling were assessed at a minimum of 6 months following surgery. Results. Mean follow-up in Group A was 2.5 yrs (0.5–10.5) and in Group B it was 1.4 yrs (0.6–4.7). Group A had a significantly higher rate of infection recurrence (16/137 (11.7%) Vs. 7/160 (4.4%) p=0.0278), wound leakage (26/137 (19.0%) Vs. 16/160 (10.0%) p=0.0304) and subsequent fracture rate (11/137 (8.0%) Vs. 3/160 (1.9%) p=0.0143) compared to Group B. Average time to recurrence was 1.07 years (0.1–2.6) in Group A and 1.02 (0.2–2.1) in Group B. The mean bone void healing in Group B was significantly better than Group A (73.2% Vs. 40.0%, p <0.00001). Conclusions. Cerament™ G has significantly better bone healing compared to a calcium sulphate carrier and was associated with a lower rate of recurrent infection, wound leakage and subsequent fracture risk

Objectives. The risk of infection after type III° open fractures is high (10–50%). Preemptive antibiotic therapy may prevent posttraumatic infection and improve the outcome. Recommendations about the type and duration of antibiotic vary among the institutions and it remains unclear whether gram-negative bacilli or anaerobs need to be covered. In Europe, the most commonly recommended antibiotic is amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. We retrospectively analyzed microbiology, characteristics and outcome of patients with open type III° fractures treated at our institution. Methods. Between 01/2005 and 12/2009 we retrospectively included all type III grade open fractures of the leg at our institution classified after Gustilo (JBJS Am 1976) into type IIIA (adequate soft-tissue coverage of bone with extensive soft-tissue laceration or flaps), IIIB (extensive soft-tissue loss with periosteal stripping and bone exposure), and IIIC (requiring arterial injury repair). Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, microbiology, surgical and antibiotic treatment and patient outcome were recorded using a standardized case-report form. Results. 30 cases of patients with type III° open fractures were included (25 males, mean age was 40.5 years, range 17–67 years). 27 fractures (90%) were located on the lower leg and 3 (10%) on the upper leg. 24 cases (80%) were high-energy and almost half of the patients (n=16, 53%) had a polytrauma. Microbiology at initial surgery was available for 19 cases (63%), of which 10 grew at least one organism (including 8 amoxicillin/clavulanic acid-resistant gram-negative bacilli [GNB], 7 amoxicillin/clavulanic acid-resistant Bacillus cereus), 11 were culture-negative. Preemptive antibiotics were given in all cases (100%) for an average duration of 8.5 days (range 1–53 days), the most common antibiotic was amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in 60 % (n=18). 11 cases just received preemptive antibiotic treatment, in 19 of 30 cases the antibiotic therapy was changed and prolonged. Microbiology at revision surgery was available for 25 cases and 22 grew at least one pathogen (including 32 amoxicillin/clavulanic acid-resistant gram-negative bacilli and 10 amoxicillin/clavulanic acid-resistant Bacillus cereus), 3 were culture-negative. Conclusions. At initial surgery, most common isolated organisms were coagulase-negative staphylococci (43%), Bacillus cereus (23%), and gram-negative bacilli (27%), and others (7%) of which 48% were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. At revision surgery, isolated organisms were gram-negative bacilli (64%), Bacillus cereus (20%), and others (16%) of which 88% were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. The spectrum of amoxicillin/clavulanic does not cover the most common isolated organisms

Introduction:. The developing world often lacks the resources to effectively treat the most serious injuries, potentially resulting in severe complications of orthopaedic trauma, including osteomyelitis following open fractures or surgical fracture treatment. Antibiotic cement beads are now a widely accepted method of delivering antibiotics locally to the infected area following trauma. This study is based in Cambodia, a low income country struggling to recover from a recent genocide. Aims:. This project studied the effectiveness of locally made antibiotic beads, analysing their effectiveness after being gas sterilised, packaged and kept in storage. Methods:. Different antibiotic beads were manufactured locally using Simplex cement and tested against MRSA bacteria grown from a case of osteomyelitis. Each antibiotic was tested before and after a process of gas sterilisation as well as later being tested after storage in packaging up to 42 days. Results:. The gentamicin, vancomycin, amikacin and ceftriaxone beads all inhibited growth of the MRSA on the TSB and agar plates, both before and after gas sterilisation. All four antibiotics continued to show similar zones of inhibition after 42 days of storage, with slight fluctuations from week to week. Conclusion:. The four antibiotic beads manufactured using limited resources and in the austere environment were all effective in inhibiting bacterial growth. The growth of MRSA was inhibited by the antibiotic beads. Gas sterilisation or storage at room temperature for up to 42 days did not adversely deteriorate the efficacy of the beads. The results show significant promise to produce beads with locally obtainable ingredients in an austere environment and improve cost effectiveness by storing them in a sterilised condition

Aims. 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. Methods. 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). Results. Overall, six out of 106 patients (5.6%) presented with sepsis and poorly controlled comorbid conditions, and died in the hospital within few days of index surgery. Out of the remaining 100 patients, control of infection was achieved in 95 patients (95%). Persistence of infection was noted in five (5%) patients. Out of these 95 patients that had good control of infection, four patients (4.2%) with gap nonunion needed Masquelet procedure to achieve union. Conclusion. Our multicentre experience confirmed that surgical debridement along with calcium sulphate bead insertion was effective in treating bone and joint infections without any side effects and complications. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(7):516–522

Aims. The Open-Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study was performed to provide clarity in open fracture management previously skewed by small, specialist centre studies and large, unfocused registry investigations. We report the current management metrics of open fractures across the UK. Method. Patients admitted to hospital with an open fracture (excluding phalanges or isolated hand injuries) between 1 June 2021 and 30 September 2021 were included. Institutional information governance approval was obtained at the lead site and all data entered using Research Electronic Data Capture software. All domains of the British Orthopaedic Association Standard for Open Fracture Management were recorded. Results. Across 51 centres, 1,175 patients were analyzed. Antibiotics were given to 754 (69.0%) in the emergency department, 240 (22.0%) pre-hospital, and 99 (9.1%) as inpatients. Wounds were photographed in 848 (72.7%) cases. Median time to first surgery was 16 hrs 14 mins (interquartile range (IQR) 8 hrs 29 mins to 23 hrs 19 mins). Complex injuries were operated on sooner (median 12 hrs 51 mins (IQR 4 hrs 36 mins to 21 hrs 14 mins)). Of initial procedures, 1,053 (90.3%) occurred between 8am and 8pm. A consultant orthopaedic surgeon was present at 1,039 (89.2%) first procedures. In orthoplastic centres, a consultant plastic surgeon was present at 465 (45.1%) first procedures. Overall, 706 (60.8%) patients required a single operation. At primary debridement, 798 (65.0%) fractures were definitively fixed, while 734 (59.8%) fractures had fixation and coverage in one operation through direct closure or soft-tissue coverage. Negative pressure wound therapy was used in 235 (67.7%) staged procedures. Following wound closure or soft-tissue cover, 509 (47.0%) patients received antibiotics for a median of three days (IQR 1 to 7). Conclusion. OPEN provides an insight into care across the UK and different levels of hospital for open fractures. Patients are predominantly operated on promptly, in working hours, and at specialist centres. Areas for improvement include combined patient review and follow-up, scheduled operating, earlier definitive soft-tissue cover, and more robust antibiotic husbandry. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1073–1080

Our aim was to explore factors associated with early post operative infection for surgically managed base of 4th/5th metacarpal fractures. We hypothesised that K-wires crossing the 4th and 5th carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) would be associated with an increased risk of post-operative infection. Data from consecutive patients requiring surgical fixation for a base of 4th/5th metacarpal fracture from October 2016 to May 2021 were collected. Patient demographics, time to surgery, length of surgery, operator experience, use of tourniquet, intra-operative antibiotics, number and thickness of K-wire used, as well as whether or not the K-wires crossed CMCJ joints were recorded. Factors associated with post operative infection were assessed using Chi Squared test and univariable logistic regression using R studio. Of 107 patients, 10 (9.3%) suffered post operative infection. Time to surgery (p 0.006) and length of operation (p=0.005) were higher in those experiencing infection. There was a trend towards higher risk of infection seen in those who had K-wires crossed (p=0.06). On univariable analysis, patients who had wires crossed were >7 times more likely to experience infection than those who didn't (OR 7.79 (95% CI, 1.39 - 146.0, p=0.056). Age, smoking, K-wire size, number of K-wires used, intraoperative antibiotics, tourniquet use and operator experience were not associated with infection. In patients with a base of 4th/5th metacarpal fractures requiring surgical fixation, we find an increased risk of post-operative infection associated with K-wires crossing the CMCJ, which has implications for surgical technique. Larger prospective studies would be useful in further delineating these findings

Aims. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with culture-negative limb osteomyelitis patients. Methods. A total of 1,047 limb osteomyelitis patients aged 18 years or older who underwent debridement and intraoperative culture at our clinic centre from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020 were included. Patient characteristics, infection eradication, and complications were analyzed between culture-negative and culture-positive cohorts. Results. Of these patients, 264 (25.2%) had negative cultures. Patients with a culture-negative compared with a culture-positive status were more likely to have the following characteristics: younger age (≤ 40 years) (113/264 (42.8%) vs 257/783 (32.8%); p = 0.004), a haematogenous aetiology (75/264 (28.4%) vs 150/783 (19.2%); p = 0.002), Cierny-Mader host A (79/264 (29.9%) vs 142/783 (18.1%); p < 0.001), antibiotic use before sampling (34/264 (12.9%) vs 41/783 (5.2%); p＜0.001), fewer taken samples (n＜3) (48/264 (18.2%) vs 60/783 (7.7%); p＜0.001), and less frequent presentation with a sinus (156/264 (59.1%) vs 665/783 (84.9%); p < 0.001). After initial treatments of first-debridement and antimicrobial, infection eradication was inferior in culture-positive osteomyelitis patients, with a 2.24-fold increase (odds ratio 2.24 (95% confidence interval 1.42 to 3.52)) in the redebridement rate following multivariate analysis. No statistically significant differences were found in long-term recurrence and complications within the two-year follow-up. Conclusion. We identified several factors being associated with the culture-negative result in osteomyelitis patients. In addition, the data also indicate that culture negativity is a positive prognostic factor in early infection eradication. These results constitute the basis of optimizing clinical management and patient consultations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):720–727

Aims. Patients receiving cemented hemiarthroplasties after hip fracture have a significant risk of deep surgical site infection (SSI). Standard UK practice to minimize the risk of SSI includes the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement with no consensus regarding type, dose, or antibiotic content of the cement. This is the protocol for a randomized clinical trial to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of high dose dual antibiotic-loaded cement in comparison to low dose single antibiotic-loaded cement in patients 60 years and over receiving a cemented hemiarthroplasty for an intracapsular hip fracture. Methods. The WHiTE 8 Copal Or Palacos Antibiotic Loaded bone cement trial (WHiTE 8 COPAL) is a multicentre, multi-surgeon, parallel, two-arm, randomized clinical trial. The pragmatic study will be embedded in the World Hip Trauma Evaluation (WHiTE) (ISRCTN 63982700). Participants, including those that lack capacity, will be allocated on a 1:1 basis stratified by recruitment centre to either a low dose single antibiotic-loaded bone cement or a high dose dual antibiotic-loaded bone cement. The primary analysis will compare the differences in deep SSI rate as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within 90 days of surgery via medical record review and patient self-reported questionnaires. Secondary outcomes include UK Core Outcome Set for hip fractures, complications, rate of antibiotic prescription, resistance patterns of deep SSI, and resource use (more specifically, cost-effectiveness) up to four months post-randomization. A minimum of 4,920 patients will be recruited to obtain 90% power to detect an absolute difference of 1.5% in the rate of deep SSI at 90 days for the expected 3% deep SSI rate in the control group. Conclusion. The results of this trial will provide evidence regarding clinical and cost-effectiveness between low dose single and high dose dual antibiotic-loaded bone cement, which will inform policy and practice guidelines such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance on management of hip fractures. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(2):72–78

Background. Medical grade Calcium Sulphate can be used as a delivery vehicle for antibiotics. We use these for treating patients with established osteomyelitis, but also use it prophylactic for contaminated war injuries, to fill voids in bone with osteo conductve filler that delivers local antibiotics, and can integrate with bone. Although antibiotic loaded calcium sulphate is increasingly used, there is little data to demonstrate that systemic levels generated by local release of antibiotics are safe. For this reason, we routinely assay systemic levels of antibiotics. Objectives. To determine if systemic toxicity occurs after the use of antibiotic loaded calcium sulphate in the treatment of bone and soft tissue infection. Material and Method. Bone cavities and soft tissue dead spaces were aggressively debrided, lavaged and packed with Calcium Sulphate (10–40 cc) loaded with Vancomycin (1–4 g) and Gentamicin (240–960 mg). Post-operatively serial assays of Vancomycin and Gentamicin levels 1 hour after surgery then daily for three days. Renal function was also measured. Results. In patients with normal renal function. : The systemic levels were either un-measurable at the first assay, or below the acceptable trough level (Mean 2.4 and 1.8 for Vancomycin and Gentamycin respectively). They had measurable systemic levels at the third assay . In patients with renal dysfunction. : Systemic levels were in the therapeutic range determined for systemically administered antibiotics, but these levels remained high and did not decrease until patients had undergone their routine dialysis. Conclusions. In patients treated with antibiotic loaded Calcium Sulphate: Antibiotic assays are not necessary in patients who have normal renal function. Patients with impaired renal function should have:. Use lower doses of antibiotics. Should undergo assays routinely. Ensure dialysis after surgery. If they remain high, the antibiotic loaded calcium sulphate could be removed

Aims. The purpose of this study was to: review the efficacy of the induced membrane technique (IMT), also known as the Masquelet technique; and investigate the relationship between patient factors and technique variations on the outcomes of the IMT. Methods. A systematic search was performed in CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and PubMed. We included articles from 1 January 1980 to 30 September 2019. Studies with a minimum sample size of five cases, where the IMT was performed primarily in adult patients (≥ 18 years old), in a long bone were included. Multivariate regression models were performed on patient-level data to determine variables associated with nonunion, postoperative infection, and the need for additional procedures. Results. A total of 48 studies were included, with 1,386 cases treated with the IMT. Patients had a mean age of 40.7 years (4 to 88), and the mean defect size was 5.9 cm (0.5 to 26). In total, 82.3% of cases achieved union after the index second stage procedure. The mean time to union was 6.6 months (1.4 to 58.7) after the second stage. Our multivariate analysis of 450 individual patients showed that the odds of developing a nonunion were significantly increased in those with preoperative infection. Patients with tibial defects, and those with larger defects, were at significantly higher odds of developing a postoperative infection. Our analysis also demonstrated a trend towards the inclusion of antibiotics in the cement spacer having a protective effect against the need for additional procedures. Conclusion. The IMT is an effective management strategy for complex segmental bone defects. Standardized reporting of individual patient data or larger prospective trials is required to determine the optimal implementation of this technique. This is the most comprehensive review of the IMT, and the first to compile individual patient data and use regression models to determine predictors of outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1723–1734

The primary aim was to determine the rate of complications and re-intervention rate in a consecutive series of operatively managed distal radius fractures. Data was retrospectively collected on 304 adult distal radius fractures treated at our institution in a year. Acute unstable displaced distal radius fractures surgically managed within 28 days of injury were included. Demographic and injury data, as well as details of complications and their subsequent management were recorded. There were 304 fractures in 297 patients. The mean age was 57yrs and 74% were female. Most patients were managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) (n=278, 91%), with 6% (n=17) managed with manipulation and Kirschner wires and 3% (n=9) with bridging external fixation. Twenty-seven percent (n=81) encountered a post-operative complication. Complex regional pain syndrome was most common (5%, n=14), followed by loss of reduction (4%). Ten patients (3%) had a superficial wound infection managed with oral antibiotics. Deep infection occurred in one patient. Fourteen percent (n=42) required re-operation. The most common indication was removal of metalwork (n=27), followed by carpal tunnel decompression (n=4) and revision ORIF (n=4). Increasing age (p=0.02), male gender (p=0.02) and high energy mechanism of injury (p<0.001) were associated with developing a complication. High energy mechanism was the only factor associated with re-operation (p<0.001). This study has documented the complication and re-intervention rates following distal radius fracture fixation. Given the increased risk of complications and the positive outcomes reported in the literature, non-operative management of displaced fractures should be considered in older patients

Aims

The aim of the present study was to assess the outcomes of the induced membrane technique (IMT) for the management of infected segmental bone defects, and to analyze predictive factors associated with unfavourable outcomes.

Objectives. Deep bone and joint infections (DBJI) are directly intertwined with health, demographic change towards an elderly population, and wellbeing. The elderly human population is more prone to acquire infections, and the consequences such as pain, reduced quality of life, morbidity, absence from work and premature retirement due to disability place significant burdens on already strained healthcare systems and societal budgets. DBJIs are less responsive to systemic antibiotics because of poor vascular perfusion in necrotic bone, large bone defects and persistent biofilm-based infection. Emerging bacterial resistance poses a major threat and new innovative treatment modalities are urgently needed to curb its current trajectory. Materials and Methods. We present a new biphasic ceramic bone substitute consisting of hydroxyapatite and calcium sulphate for local antibiotic delivery in combination with bone regeneration. Gentamicin release was measured in four setups: 1) in vitro elution in Ringer’s solution; 2) local elution in patients treated for trochanteric hip fractures or uncemented hip revisions; 3) local elution in patients treated with a bone tumour resection; and 4) local elution in patients treated surgically for chronic corticomedullary osteomyelitis. Results. The release pattern in vitro was comparable with the obtained release in the patient studies. No recurrence was detected in the osteomyelitis group at latest follow-up (minimum 1.5 years). Conclusions. This new biphasic bone substitute containing antibiotics provides safe prevention of bone infections in a range of clinical situations. The in vitro test method predicts the in vivo performance and makes it a reliable tool in the development of future antibiotic-eluting bone-regenerating materials. Cite this article: M. Stravinskas, P. Horstmann, J. Ferguson, W. Hettwer, M. Nilsson, S. Tarasevicius, M. M. Petersen, M. A. McNally, L. Lidgren. Pharmacokinetics of gentamicin eluted from a regenerating bone graft substitute: In vitro and clinical release studies. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:427–435. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.BJR-2016-0108.R1