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

Background:. – A multidisciplinary approach is essential to treat chronic osteomyelitis. Surgical debridement of macroscopic infection precedes targeted antibiotics to eradicate microscopic infection. This study analyses early results of our single-stage protocol for chronic osteomyelitis using antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulphate beads (Stimulan). Methods:. – We retrospectively analysed patients with primary or secondary chronic osteomyelitis treated with Stimulan. Patients with incomplete metal-work removal or follow up less than 3 months were excluded. Our study focused on 15 patients (10 male) with an average age of 40.5 years (16–73 years), average follow up of 10.6 months (3 – 21 months). There were 12 cases of secondary osteomyelitis (3 primary). Majority of cases involved the tibia, femur or humerus. Following debridement Stimulan mixed with Vancomycin and/or tobramycin was placed to obliterate dead space and deliver local antibiotics. Intravenous antibiotics, typically piperacillin/tazobactam and/or teicoplanin, were administered post-operatively until tissue culture results were known – rationalised long term antibiotic regimen followed thereafter. Results:. – Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest organism. Follow up monitoring indicated absorption of Stimulan typically by 3 months and no evidence of recurrence based on clinical, radiographic and biochemical parameters. Conclusion:. – Single stage osteomyelitis treatment with Stimulan shows early promising results, is cost effective and decreases the morbidity of further surgery