Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is an essential part of orthopaedic surgeries in preventing life-threatening thromboembolic events such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Orthopaedic surgery has the highest incidence rate of thromboembolic events as compared to any other surgical specialities, making it an essential component in managing any orthopaedic case. At Queen's Medical Centre (QMC), a major trauma centre in the United Kingdom (UK), sees up to 750 NOF fracture cases annually, making it one of the busiest trauma and orthopaedic centres in the UK. Our study aims to evaluate how VTE Prophylaxis is conducted in a UK Major Trauma Centre for NOF and pelvic fragility fractures and how human factors can improve its efficacy. The Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) Trust has implemented new guidelines from August 2019 that patients with fragility fractures such as NOF and pelvic fractures are prescribed with 28 days VTE prophylaxis with Enoxaparin, or their own anti-coagulants if risk of thrombosis exceed the risk of bleeding. This is an adaptation from the trust to align their guidelines closer to the NICE 2018 guidelines. We will be evaluating the initial compliance of VTE Prophylaxis, identify and utilise human factors, then re-analyse the department after implementing interventions on the same batch of junior doctors working in the department. Data of 100 patients with fragility fractures were collected, 50 consecutive patients in the pre-intervention window during August 2019 and 50 in the post-intervention window during November 2019. The pre-intervention data had 43 NOF and 7 Pelvic fractures. Our study showed that 93% of NOF fracture and 100% of pelvic fracture received the correct course of VTE prophylaxis. The data was presented at the local department junior doctor academic session. Three simple human factor interventions were implemented over the course of September and October: Education to the trauma and orthopaedic department on the new guideline, extended VTE labels on drug charts for patients with fragility fractures, VTE reminder labels at doctors' stations. Another 50 consecutive patients' data were collected during November 2019. Data shows that 97.8% of NOF (p>0.05) and 60% of pelvic fracture (p>0.05) received the correct course of VTE prophylaxis. Our data has shown an increase in correct VTE prescription for NOF fracture patients, which is the main bulk of our fragility fracture patients whilst we see a drop in pelvic fracture patients. Due to the limited time frame of four months where junior doctors in the UK rotate between specialities, we are only able to collect data during the first month, implement interventions between datasets and collect data on the final month of the four-month rotation. A future bigger study might provide a more significant result on the department. We believe that the key to achieving 100% VTE prophylaxis in the T&O department is optimising human factors, educating junior doctors, who are not orthopaedic trained, with sufficient information of the guidelines, and evidence of the risk and benefits of providing prolonged VTE prophylaxis for orthopaedic patients. In conclusion, we found that QMC, a major trauma centre with high patient volume and turnover, has a high level of compliance with VTE prophylaxis for fragility fractures and it is imperative that utilising human factors will inch the department closer to its goal of 100% VTE compliance

Introduction. Guidelines from the North American Spine Society (2009 and 2013) are the best evidence-based instructions on venous thromboembolism (VTE) and antibiotic prophylaxis in spinal surgery. NICE guidelines exist for VTE prophylaxis but do not specifically address spinal surgery. In addition, the ruling of the UK Supreme Court in 2015 resulted in new guidance on consent being published by the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSEng). This study assesses our compliance in antibiotic, VTE prophylaxis and consent in spinal surgery against both US and UK standards. Methods. Retrospective review of spinal operations performed between August and December 2016. Case notes, consent forms and operation notes were analysed for consent, peri-operative antibiotic prescribing and post-operative VTE instructions. Results. Four Spinal surgeons performed 45 operations during this period. 31 patients (69%) received a copy of the signed consent with this process being formally documented in 22 (71%) of those cases. All patients were consented by a competent surgeon. 82% of cases consented prior to the date of procedure were countersigned on the day of operation. There was a mean time of 25.3 days between initial consent and operation (Range: 0–170). 37 (82%) cases had clear instructions for VTE and antibiotic prophylaxis. All prescribed post-operative antibiotics were administered. Discussion. The North American Guidelines state that prophylactic antibiotic is appropriate in all spinal surgery with prolonged cases requiring intraoperative re-dosing and only complex cases needing a postoperative regimen. Eight patients underwent a complex procedure and 7 appropriately received postoperative antibiotics. Of the 29 patients that underwent a simple procedure, 12 did not receive post-operative regimen, in line with the guidelines. However, the remainder 17 were over treated. The US Guidelines recommend mechanical VTE prophylaxis only in elective spinal surgery except in high risk patients. All our patients received VTE mechanical prophylaxis. RCSEng guidelines require consent being taken prior to procedure by a competent surgeon and confirmed on day of procedure. All patients in our cohort were consented prior to the date of operation allowing time for considering options and independent research. 82% of patients had consent confirmed on day of operation. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that we met guideline advice for all patients with regards VTE prophylaxis. We have a tendency to over treat with post-operative antibiotics and not all patients had their consent confirmed on day of procedure but was consented well before day of operation. North America still lead the way with guidelines on spinal surgery to which we should adhere, with NICE guidelines providing limited instructions. New consenting guidelines from RCSEng may not be currently widely known and thus should be a source of education for all surgeons

Tourniquet is widely used in extremity surgery. In order to prevent surgical site infection, correct timing of antimicrobial prophylaxis and tourniquet inflation is important. We aimed to evaluate the time for which the free drug concentration of cefuroxime is maintained above the minimal inhibitory concentration (T>MIC) in subcutaneous tissue and calcaneal cancellous bone during three clinically relevant tourniquet application scenarios. Twenty-four female pigs were included. Microdialysis catheters were placed for sampling of cefuroxime concentrations bilaterally in calcaneal cancellous bone and subcutaneous tissue, and a tourniquet cuff was applied on a randomly picked leg of each pig. Subsequently, the pigs were randomized into three groups to receive 1.5 g of cefuroxime by intravenous injection 15 min prior to tourniquet inflation (Group A), 45 min prior to tourniquet inflation (Group B), and at the tourniquet release (Group C). The tourniquet duration was 90 min in all groups. Dialysates and venous blood samples were collected eight-hours postcefuroxime administration. Cefuroxime concentrations were maintained above the clinical breakpoint MIC for Staphylococcus aureus (4 μg/mL) in calcaneal cancellous bone and subcutaneous tissue throughout the 90 min tourniquet duration in Group A and B. Cefuroxime administration at tourniquet release (Group C) resulted in concentrations above 4 μg/mL for a minimum of 3.5 hours in the tissues on the tourniquet side. There were no significant differences in the T>MIC (4 μg/mL) in subcutaneous tissue or calcaneal cancellous bone between the three groups. However, Group A tended toward shorter T>MIC in tourniquet calcaneal cancellous bone compared to Group C (p=0.08). We conclude that administration of cefuroxime (1.5 g) in the 15–45 min window prior to tourniquet inflation resulted in sufficient calcaneal cancellous bone and subcutaneous tissue concentrations throughout the 90 min tourniquet application. If the target is to maintain postoperative cefuroxime concentrations above relevant MIC values, our results suggest that a second dose of cefuroxime should be administered at tourniquet release

The role of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in sarcoma surgery is well established. There are no guidelines for their use in this context but there is pressure from microbiologists to comply with agreed prophylaxis for joint arthroplasty despite major differences between patient groups and risks of infection in sarcoma surgery. Two simple surveys were conducted online, the first for bone sarcoma surgery, the second for soft tissue sarcomas. An email was sent to the major centres worldwide conducting such surgery with links to the online surveys to assess current practice regarding antibiotic prophylaxis and surgical drains. The survey was limited to 8 questions, the emphasis being a simple survey, but included questions on indications, choice, duration of therapy as well as use, size and duration of surgical drains. We received 38 responses from 15 countries to the bone sarcoma survey and 33 responses from 12 countries to the soft tissue sarcoma survey. Current antibiotic prophylaxis regimens varied widely among surgeons, emphasising the controversy that exists regarding what constitutes best clinical practice. Opinions regarding use of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in sarcoma surgery vary widely among orthopaedic surgeons worldwide, illustrating the controversy as to what constitutes best clinical practice. This survey suggests the need for a randomised clinical trial to aid in the development of guidelines in this area

Due to working time restrictions a full-shift cross-covering system is commonplace. As more than one surgeon is responsible for trauma admissions in a 24-hour period a complete handover is paramount to ensure continuity of care. The purpose of this audit was to determine whether the introduction of a formal handover/admission form would improve this continuity with regards to prescription of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in hip fracture patients. In Stirling Royal Infirmary chemical VTE prophylaxis for hip fracture patients is 40mg enoxaparin at 6pm unless there is a contraindication. Over a 14-day period we prospectively documented the prescription of VTE prophylaxis and doses missed under the current admissions system. Following this a proforma was introduced that was to be exchanged at handover meetings. The proforma included patients' name/details, admission ward, and tasks to be completed during clerk-in, including VTE prophylaxis prescription. Tasks outstanding at handover had to be documented and completed by the subsequent doctor. Each form was signed and dated by the receiving doctor. We subsequently re-evaluated the prescription of VTE prophylaxis in hip fracture patients. Between 1/12/10-15/12/10, 23 patients were admitted with hip fracture. 12 had appropriate VTE prophylaxis, 6 missed one dose, 4 missed two, and 1 missed three all due to failure of prescription. Following the introduction of the proforma, 12 patients were admitted with hip fractures between 31/12/10-14/1/11. All were prescribed appropriate VTE prophylaxis and missed no doses. 1 patient was on warfarin and had enoxaparin prescribed but withheld until INR< 2.0. After the introduction of a handover form VTE prophylaxis prescription vastly improved. This proforma ensured that all elements of initial management were completed allowing for physician accountability, greater efficacy of handover and continuity of care

The Hospital (Trust) guidelines generally recommend 40mg of Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) twice daily (BD) for all patients over 100kg for those undergoing total hip (THR) and knee replacements (TKR) respectively. British National Formulary (BNF) recommends 40mg of LMWH once daily (OD) for all patients regardless of their overall weight or body mass index (BMI). We evaluated the outcome of prophylactic LMWH dosage for patients undergoing THR and TKR by monitoring surgery related venous-thromboembolic events up to a minimum of three months after surgery. A retrospective audit was carried out after obtaining institutional approval and all consecutive elective patients weighing over 100kg and undergoing THR and TKR were included. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 3 months after their operation to investigate the dose of prophylactic LMWH received, and whether they had developed any venous thromboembolic events (VTE) post operatively. This was done using a combination of electronic notes, drug charts and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) reports on the hospital/trust database. A total of 53 patients underwent elective THR (18) and TKR (35) between the period of March 2017 and September 2017. Forty-four patients received 40 mg OD and 9 patients had 40 mg BD. None of the patients developed a confirmed DVT or pulmonary embolism in the 3 months following surgery regardless of the dose received. We demonstrate that there is no clinical benefit in having patients over 100kg on twice daily LMWH with the aim of preventing post-op thromboembolic complications. This conclusion is in line with the BNF recommendations for VTE prophylaxis

Administration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) reduces the risk of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) following primary total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty. The optimal type of antibiotic used, and duration of prophylaxis are subject to debate. We compared the risk of revision surgery for PJI in the first year following THA and TKA by AP regimen. A national survey collecting information on hospital-level AP regimen policy was conducted across the Netherlands and linked to data from the LROI arthroplasty registry for 2011–2015. PJI status was defined using the surgical indication reported at revision by surgeons in the registry form. Restricted cubic splines Poisson model adjusted for hospital clustering were used to conduct the comparisons on 130,712 THAs and 111,467 TKAs performed across 99 institutions. These included 399 THAs and 303 TKAs revised for an indication of PJI. Multiple shot of Cefazolin (MCZ), of cefuroxime (MCX) and single shot of Cefazolin (SCZ) were respectively administrated to 87%, 4% and 9% of patients. For THA, the rates of revision for PJI were respectively 31/10,000 person-years 95%CI[28, 35], 39[25, 59] and 23[15, 34] in the groups which received MCZ, MCX and SCZ; respectively, the rates for TKA were 27[24, 31], 40[24, 62] and 24[16, 36]. No evidence of difference between AP regimens was found in the unadjusted and adjusted model (age, gender, BMI and ASA grade). Further work is advocated to confirm whether there is an association between AP regimen collected at patient-level and the risk of subsequent revision for PJI

Rivaroxaban has been recommended for routine use as a thromboprophylactic agent in patients undergoing lower-limb arthroplasty. Starting January 2011, our unit has converted from aspirin to Rivaroxaban use routinely following lower-limb arthroplasty for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. The aim of this audit was to retrospectively review its efficacy and the morbidity associated with its use. All patients undergoing primary and revision lower-limb arthroplasty between February 2011 and July 2011 were reviewed. All patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery and total hip replacement surgery received oral rivaroxaban 10 mg daily post-operatively for 14 days and 35 days respectively. Outcome measures recorded were; investigation for DVT/PE, rate of DVT/PE, wound complications (infection, dehiscence, leaking, bleeding), blood transfusion rate and readmission rate within 6 weeks of surgery. Of the 162 patients identified, 19 were excluded due to insufficient information or because they did not receive rivaroxaban as VTE prophylaxis. 141 patients (mean age 71.7 years) were included. 69 primary and 5 revision total knee replacements were performed. 60 primary and 7 revision total hip replacements were performed. 9 patients (6.4%) underwent Doppler USS for a painful swollen leg with 1 (0.7%) DVT diagnosed. None were investigated for a pulmonary embolus. 25 (17.7%) patients developed wound complications: 10 superficial infections requiring oral antibiotics, 2 deep infections requiring theatre washout, 1 wound dehiscence, 5 continuously leaking wounds, 5 bleeding wounds/haematomas. 26 (18.4%) patients required post-operative blood transfusion (average 2.2 units). 12 (8.5%) patients were re-admitted within 6 weeks with post-op complications (6 wound complications, 5 painful/swollen limbs, 1 large per-vaginal bleed). In keeping with previous literature, the rate of VTE following lower-limb arthroplasty using rivaroxaban as prophylaxis is low. However, the rate of morbidity was higher when compared with the use of aspirin in our centre between April and September 2010

Summary Statement

Prophylactic vertebroplasty treatment of ‘at-risk’ vertebrae may reduce fracture risk, however which areas weaken, thus providing surgical targets? Direct spatial 3D mapping of ReTm overcomes the constraints of 2D histology, and by application may provide insight into specific regional atrophy.

C. Difficile infections in elderly patients with hip fractures is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Antibiotic regimens with penicillin and its derivatives is a leading cause. Antibiotic prophylactic preferences vary across different hospitals within NHS. We compared two antibiotic prophylactic regimens - Cefuroxime only prophylaxis and Teicoplanin with Gentamicin prophylaxis in fracture neck of femur surgery, and evaluated the incidence of C. Difficile diarrhea and Surgical Site Infection (SSI). To assess the Surgical Site Infection and C. Difficile infection rate associated with different regimens of antibiotics prophylaxis in fracture neck of femur surgery. Data was analyzed retrospectively. Neck of femur fracture patients treated surgically from 2009 in our unit were included. Age, gender, co morbidities, type of fracture, operation, ASA grade was collected. 1242 patients received Cefuroxime only prophylaxis between January 2009 and December 2012 (Group 1) and 486 patients received Teicoplanin with Gentamicin between October 2015 and March 2017 (Group 2). There were 353 males and 889 female patients in Group 1 and 138 males and 348 female patients in Group 2. The co morbidities in both groups were comparable. Incidence of C. Difficile diarrhea and Surgical Site Infection (SSI) was noted. Statistical analysis with chi square test was performed to determine the ‘p’ value. C. Diff diarrhea rate in Group 2 was 0.41 % as compared to 1.29 % in Group 1. The Surgical Site Infection (SSI) rate in Group 2 was 0.41 % as compared to 3.06 % in Group 1. The comparative results were statistically significant (p = 0.0009). Prophylactic antibiotic regimen of Teicoplanin with Gentamicin showed significant reduction in C. Difficile diarrhea & Surgical Site Infection in fracture neck of femur patients undergoing surgery

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) Good Surgical Practice guidance identifies essential criteria for surgical operation note documentation. The current quality improvement project aims to identify if using pre-templated operation notes for documenting fractured neck of femur surgery results in improved documentation when compared to free hand orthopaedic operation notes. A total of fourteen categories were identified from the RCS guidance as required across all the operations identified in this study. All operations for the month of October 2021 were identified and the operation notes analysed. Pre-templated operation notes were compared to free hand operation notes. 97 cases were identified, of which 74 were free hand operation notes and 23 were pre-templated fractured neck of femur operation notes. All fourteen categories were completed in 13 (57%) of the templated operation notes vs 0 (0%) in the free hand operation notes (odds ratio 0.0052, 95% CI 0.0003 to 0.0945, p < 0.001). The median total number of completed categories was significantly higher in the templated op-note group compared to the free hand op-note group (templated median 14, range 12-14, vs. free hand median 11, range 9 to 13, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis of operation notes written by Registrars or Consultants identified Registrars as more likely to document the antibiotic prophylaxis given (p = 0.025). Use of pre-templated operation notes results in significantly improved documentation. Adoption of generic pre-templated operation notes to improve surgical documentation should be considered across all operations

Infections represent a devastating complication in orthopedic and traumatological surgery, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. An early intervention is essential, and it includes a radical surgical approach supported by targeted intravenous antimicrobial therapy. The availability of parenteral antibiotics at the site of infection is usually poor, so it is crucial to maximize local antibiotic concentration using local carriers. Our work aims to describe the uses of one of these systems, Stimulan®, for the management and prevention of infections at our Institution. Analysing the reported uses of Stimulan®, we identified two major groups: bone substitute and carrier material for local antibiotic therapy. The first group includes its application as a filler of dead spaces within bone or soft tissues resulting from traumatic events or previous surgery. The second group comprehends the use of Stimulan® for the treatment of osteomyelitis, post-traumatic septic events, periprosthetic joint infections, arthroplasty revision surgery, prevention in open fractures, surgery of the diabetic foot, oncological surgery and for all those patients susceptible to a high risk of infection. We used Stimulan® in several complex clinical situations: in PJIs, in DAPRI procedure and both during the first and the second stage of a 2-stage revision surgery; furthermore, we started to exploit this antibiotic carrier also in prophylaxis of surgical site infections, as it happens in open fractures, and when a surgical site remediation is required, like in osteomyelitis following ORIF. Stimulan® is an extremely versatile and polyhedric material, available in the form of beads or paste, and can be mixed to a very broad range of antibiotics to better adapt to different bacteria and their antibiograms, and to surgeon's needs. These properties make it a very useful adjuvant for the management of complex cases of infection, and for their prevention, as well

Introduction. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis use in modern orthopaedic procedures is well established. Studies have shown significant reduction in risk of post-operative infections. However, as effectiveness of these antibiotics is dependent on achieving high serum and tissue concentrations that exceed the minimum inhibitory concentrations of infective organisms for operation duration, the timing of prophylaxis is crucial. Although, optimal timing for administering prophylaxis varies in the literature, 30 to 60 minutes prior to skin incision or inflation of tourniquet is considered best standards. Objectives. To audit our practice of timing of administration of perioperative prophylactic antibiotics in trauma and orthopaedic procedures. Methods. A double-centre prospective analysis was conducted over a period of 2 week (trauma) and 2 months (elective). Centre A involved trauma cases where centre B involved elective Total Knee Arthroplasty cases. Patients were excluded if they were already on regular antibiotics or when prophylaxis was not indicated. Prescription charts and anaesthetic charts were reviewed along with electronic theatre database. Results. A total of 109 patients were included (52 elective and 57 trauma). Only 21% of patients received prophylactic antibiotics within 30 to 60 minutes of knife to skin time or inflation of tourniquet. Two third of patients received prophylaxis earlier than recommended with 28% receiving prophylaxis between 5 to 10 minutes and 33% between 15 to 20 minutes prior to knife to skin time or inflation of tourniquet. Conclusions. Our audit highlights an important deviation from standard best practice. To address this problem we recommend a multidisciplinary team approach including anaesthetic, ward and theatre teams. Level of Evidence. III - Evidence from case, correlation, and comparative studies

Total joint replacement (TJR), such as hip and knee replacement, is commonly used for the treatment of end stage arthritis. The use of Poly (methylmethacrylate) bone cement is a gold standard in such replacement, where it fixes the implant in place and transfer stresses between bone and implant, and frequently used for local delivery of drugs such as antibiotics. The use of antibiotic loaded bone cement is considered a well-established standard in the treatment and prophylaxis of Prosthetic joint infections (PJI). PJIs is a serious problem that decreases success rate of surgery and can be life threatening to patients, where the incidence can reach up 2% in total and hip replacements and up to 40% for revision surgery. Currently used antibiotic loaded bone cements have many limitations, including burst release of < 10% of antibiotic added. This burst release falls rapidly below inhibitory level within few days, which leads to selection of resistant antimicrobial strains and does not provide prophylaxis from early and delayed stage infection. This study aims to provide a controlled release for gentamicin when loaded on Silica nanoparticles (NP) using layer-by-layer technique (LbL) to provide prophylaxis and treatment from postsurgical infections. The gentamicin loaded NPs were incorporated into PMMA bone cement and the new nanocomposite is characterized for gentamicin release, antimicrobial and mechanical properties. Our results showed that the nanocomposite gentamicin release continued for 30 days at concentration 3 times higher than the commercial formulation containing the same amount of gentamicin, where burst release for few days were observed. Moreover, the nanocomposite showed superior antimicrobial inhibition for bacterial growth and good cytocompatibility without adversely affecting the cement compressive strength, bending and fracture toughness properties

Summary. There is little knowledge in surgeons about the guidelines for prophylactic antibiotics in patients with prosthetic joints when undergoing a dental procedure. This study confirms this and there is need for robust and universal guidelines given the disastrous nature of prosthetic infection. Introduction. Infection as an indication for revision has increased to 12 % of the total revisions (NJR 9. th. report). However, it is next to impossible to find out the cause for a delayed prosthetic infection. With increasing number of arthroplasty procedures, is there a need for prophylactic antibiotics in patients with prostheses?. Methods. At London Knee Meeting 2012, a total of 163 surgeons were asked to take part in a survey. This was to find out if they knew of any existing guidelines for prophylaxis for dental procedures, if there was a need to practice more uniformly, and if they recommend such prophylaxis to their patients routinely. The grade of the surgeon and their experience in years was also noted. Results. Among the 163 surgeons who participated, 102 (62.6%) were arthroplasty surgeons. Of these, 73 (71.5%) were consultants with 3 or more years of experience. For this study, responses from these 102 surgeons were taken into consideration. Out of the 102 surgeons, only 39 (38%) were aware of AAOS recommendations. However, only 26 (25.5%) felt the need for such prophylaxis, other 37 (36%) were not sure if such prophylaxis was necessary. The remaining 39 (38.5%) did not think the prophylaxis was necessary. There was no difference found in the responses between the consultant and non-consultant surgeons. Conclusions. From this survey, it is clear that there is no uniformity of the knowledge of existing recommendations for prophylaxis of such patients with prostheses. There is probably a need to develop robust guidelines for prophylaxis, given the devastating nature of an infected prosthesis

Objectives . The objective of this study is to determine an optimal antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) for infection prophylaxis in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods. We evaluated the antibacterial effects of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cements loaded with vancomycin, teicoplanin, ceftazidime, imipenem, piperacillin, gentamicin, and tobramycin against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Standardised cement specimens made from 40 g PMMA loaded with 1 g antibiotics were tested for elution characteristics, antibacterial activities, and compressive strength in vitro. . Results. The ALBC containing gentamicin provided a much longer duration of antibiotic release than those containing other antibiotic. Imipenem-loading on the cement had a significant adverse effect on the compressive strength of the ALBC, which made it insufficient for use in prosthesis fixation. All of the tested antibiotics maintained their antibacterial properties after being mixed with PMMA. The gentamicin-loaded ALBC provided a broad antibacterial spectrum against all the test organisms and had the greatest duration of antibacterial activity against MSSA, CoNS, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. . Conclusion. When considering the use of ALBC as infection prophylaxis in TJA, gentamicin-loaded ALBC may be a very effective choice. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:220–6

The most challenging complications in orthopaedic trauma surgery are fracture-related infections (FRI). The incidence ranges from approximately 1% after closed fractures or joint replacement, to more than 30% in complex open limb fractures. Despite tremendous efforts with prolonged antibiotic therapy and multiple revision surgeries, these complications are associated with considerable rates of recurrent infections as well as permanent functional impairment. The primary aim for the clinician is to prevent infection, because once established, an infection is difficult to eradicate. The main reason for this is biofilm formation on the implanted device, which allows pathogens to protect themselves from host immune response and antimicrobial therapy. In open fractures with a considerable wound contamination and soft- tissue damage, systemically-delivered antibiotics may not reach sufficient local concentrations to eradicate the bacteria. Locally delivered antibiotics can overcome this problem by providing high local concentrations. Currently, several antibiotic loaded biomaterials for local infection prophylaxis and/or treatment are available. In this talk, next to the diagnostic challenges of FRIs, the currently available antimicrobial-loaded biomaterials will be described. Against a backdrop of increasing infection and antimicrobial resistance, the prudent use and availability of such materials will become even more important

Since the establishment of our department a multi-modal approach to thromboprophylaxis that uses aspirin for chemical prophylaxis was adopted. In accordance with the latest national recommendations, our routine chemical prophylaxis following arthroplasty was changed to rivaroxaban in 2012 and then dalteparin in 2013. This study aimed to compare venous thromboembolism (VTE) rates during the use of the aspirin-based protocol used from 2004 to 2011 with recent, rivaroxaban and dalteparin-based guidelines. Outcome data from ISD Scotland was retrieved and radiology reports performed for CT pulmonary angiograms and lower limb doppler ultrasound scans in our institution were assessed to identify cases of VTE following primary hip or knee arthroplasty. The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was calculated for each year and compared using a Chi-squared test. Additionally, the change in extended thromboprophylaxis regimen was surveyed by recording the discharge prescriptions for consecutive arthroplasty patients for March every year. There were 90 radiologically confirmed cases of DVT or PE between 2004 and 2011 (incidence of 0.71%). The DVT/PE rate was subsequently 0.67% in 2012 and 0.69% in 2013, with a further 29 cases identified. This does not represent a significant change in the venous thromboembolism rates and remains below the national incidence of VTE (1.06%). Aspirin alone was used as chemical thromboprophylaxis in 80.8% of patients from 2004 to 2011, 50.9% in 2012, and 12.1% in 2013. The incidence of VTE at our centre remains favourable to national figures, but the modification of thromboprophylaxis guidelines will incur additional financial costs and has not had a significant reduction on the rate of VTE