Anterior cruciate ligament injury is the most common and economically costly sport injuries, frequently requiring expensive surgery and rehabilitation. Post-operative knee septic arthritis represents a serious complication with an incidence rate between 0.14% and 1.7%. A common practice to avoid septic arthritis is the “vancomycin wrap”, consisting in the soaking of the graft for 10–15 minutes within a sterile gauze swab previously saturated with 5 mg/mL vancomycin. Even though several studies have been conducted to investigate vancomycin toxicity on different musculoskeletal tissues or cells, little is known about the effect of such antimicrobial on tendon-derived cells. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro toxicity of different concentrations of vancomycin at different time points on human primary tenocytes (hTCs). hTCs were isolated from hamstring grafts of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. After expansion, cells were treated with different concentrations of vancomycin (2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL) for 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. In vitro toxicity was evaluated measuring: metabolic activity through the reduction of 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT Assay); cytotoxicity (Live/Dead assay); and cell apoptosis (Annexin V apoptosis kit). The metabolic activity of hTCs was affected by vancomycin treatment starting from 10 mg/mL at all time points (p < 0.05) and dropped down at 100 mg/mL at all time points (0.05 < p < 0.001). Cells viability resulted to be unaffected only by 2.5 mg/mL vancomycin at all time points. Vancomycin resulted to be cytotoxic starting from 10 mg/mL after 15 minutes of treatment and at all higher concentrations under study at all time points. Cells died when treated with vancomycin concentrations higher than 5 mg/mL but not through apoptosis, as confirmed by negative staining for Annexin V. In our experimental conditions, vancomycin resulted to be toxic on hTCs at concentrations higher than 5 mg/mL. The use of this antibiotic on tendons to prevent infections could be useful and safe for resident cells if used at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL up to 1 hour of treatment

Introduction. Infections in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) are a burden to the healthcare system. An infection in total joint arthroplasty costs nearly $60,000–80,000 to the system. 3 major tenets to decrease surgical site infections, focus on patient preoperative optimization, intraoperative techniques, and postoperative care. Intraoperative vancomycin powder been successful in lowering infection rates in other areas of orthopaedics. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether topical intraoperative vancomycin powder had any effect on surgical site infection, complication rate, or reoperation rate. Our hypothesis was vancomycin powder may decrease the rate of surgical site infections without any effect on wound complications. Materials & Methods. 208 consecutive patients undergoing either total hip or total knee arthroplasty (THA or TKA) were given intraoperative vancomycin powder or none. 64 patients received vancomycin poweder compared to 164 patients who did not. All preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management was similar. Preoperative data including age, sex, BMI, diabetes status and comorbidities were recorded. Surgical techniques included medial parapatellar or subvastus for TKA, posterolateral for THA. 90-day culture positive infection and reoperation rates were recorded. Results. Preoperative variables between the two groups were similar. Average age, ASA, BMI, diabetes status and other preoperative patient variables were not significantly different (p=0.31, 0.19, 0.65, 0.31). 5/64 patients (7.8%) in the vancomycin group underwent reoperation, compared with 13/164 (9.0%) in the no vancomycin group. There was no difference in the rate of reoperations (p=0.777). Of these patients, 3/64 (4.69%) patients in the vancomycin group had a positive infection compared with 8/164 (5.55%) in the no vancomycin group. There was no significant differences between the two infection rates (p=0.807). Discussion. Surprisingly, vancomycin powder did not have any effect on reoperation nor infection rates in our study group. Although other studies may have shown a decrease in infection, ours failed to do so. Due to low study numbers, we could not differentiate deep versus superficial surgical site infections. Based on our study, we are unable to recommend the use of intraoperative vancomycin powder for total joint arthroplasty

Objectives. Vancomycin and fosfomycin are antibiotics commonly used to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. This study compares the in vitro inhibitory effects against MRSA of articulating cement spacers impregnated with either vancomycin or fosfomycin. Methods. Vancomycin-impregnated articulating cement spacers and fosfomycin-impregnated articulating cement spacers were immersed in sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solutions and then incubated. Samples were collected for bioactivity evaluation. The aliquots were tested for MRSA inhibition with the disc diffusion method, and the inhibition zone diameters were measured. The inhibition zone differences were evaluated using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test. Results. The vancomycin group had significantly larger inhibition zones than the fosfomycin group from day three through to completion of the fourth week of incubation (p < 0.001). The vancomycin group exhibited a MRSA inhibition zone up to four weeks but the fosfomycin group showed an inhibition zone for only three days and after that did not show the the potential to inhibit MRSA. Conclusion. This in vitro study found that the inhibitory effect of vancomycin-impregnated articulating cement spacers against MRSA outperformed fosfomycin-impregnated articulating cement spacers. Further comparing our results to other published reports suggests there might be a limitation of the disc diffusion bioassay to show a large inhibitory zone in a high concentration of a highly soluble antibiotic. Cite this article: V. Yuenyongviwat, N. Ingviya, P. Pathaburee, B. Tangtrakulwanich. Inhibitory effects of vancomycin and fosfomycin on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from antibiotic-impregnated articulating cement spacers. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:132–136. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.63.2000639

Abstract. 3D printing of synthetic scaffolds mimicking natural bone chemical composition, structure, and mechanical properties is a promising approach for repairing bone injuries. Direct ink writing (DIW), a type of 3D printing, confers compatibility with a wide range of materials without exposing these materials to extreme heat. Optimizing ink properties such as filament formation capabilities, shear-thinning, and high storage modulus recovery would improve DIW fabrication characteristics. In this study, composite inks based on biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL), reinforced with nano-hydroxyapatite (HAp), and loaded with vancomycin were designed and evaluated for their rheological properties, wettability, mechanical properties, and antimicrobial properties. The formulated composite inks displayed a shear-thinning behaviour exhibited storage modulus recovery percentages above 80% for all formulations, which is essential for extrusion deposition by DIW at room temperature. Ink formulations were able to form fully interconnected lattice scaffolds with porosities ranging from 42% to 65%. Increasing the HAp concentrations from 55% to 85% w/w increased the shear thinning behaviour and reduced the printed filament width to more closely match the nozzle diameter; this indicates higher HAp proportion reduces ink shrinkage. The scaffold had high wettability at HAp proportions above 65% w/w and the compressive elastic modulus of DIW printed scaffolds exhibited within the range of trabecular bone. Antimicrobial activity was apparent from the agar diffusion assay; zones of inhibition ranging from 15.82 ± 0.25 mm and 20.06 ± 0.25 mm were observed after 24 hr for composite scaffolds loaded with 3% and 9% w/w vancomycin respectively. Vancomycin-loaded PCL/HAp composite inks were developed, displaying good printability, wettability, mechanical properties, and antimicrobial properties, making them an attractive choice for bone repair and regeneration. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

There is a lack of carriers for the local delivery of rifampicin (RIF), one of the cornerstone second defence antibiotic for Staphylococcus aureus deep bone infections (DBIs). RIF is also associated with systemic side effects, and known for causing rapid development of antibiotic resistance when given as monotherapy. We evaluated a clinically usedbi-phasic calcium sulphate/hydroxyapatite (CaS/HA) biomaterial as a carrier for dual delivery of RIF with vancomycin (VAN) or gentamicin (GEN). It was hypothesized that this combined approach could provide improved biofilm eradication and prevent the development of RIF resistance. Methods: 1) Biofilm eradication: Using a modified crystal violet staining biofilm quantification method, the antibiotics released at different time points (Day 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35) from the hemispherical pellets of CaS/HA(500 mg)-VAN (24.57 mg) / GEN (10.35 mg) composites with or without RIF (8.11 mg) were tested for their ability to disrupt the preformed 48-h old biofilms of S. aureus ATCC 25923, and S. aureus clinical strain P-3 in 96-well microtitre plate. For each tested group of antibiotic fractions, five separate wells were used (n=5). 2) Testing for resistance development: Similar to the method mentioned above the 48-h biofilm embeded bacteria exposed to antibiotic fractions from different time points continuously for 7 days. The biofilms remained were then tested for RIF resistant strains of bacteria. Overall, there was clear antibiofilm biofilm activity observed with CaS/HA-VAN/GEN+RIF combinations compared with CaS/HA-VAN/GEN alone. The S. aureus strains developed resistance to RIF when biofilms were subjected to CaS/HA-RIF alone but not with combinations of CaS/HA-VAN/GEN+RIF. Enhanced antibiofilm effects without development of RIF resistance indicates that biphasic CaS/HA loaded with VAN or GEN could be used as a carrier for RIF for additional local delivery in clinically demanding DBIs. Acknowledgement: We deeply acknowledge the Royal Fysiographic Society of Lund, Landshövding Per Westlings Minnesfond and the Stina and Gunnar Wiberg fond for financial support

The efficacy of saline irrigation for the treatment of periprosthetic infection (PJI) is limited in the presence of infected implants. This study evaluated the efficacy of vancomycin/tobramycin-doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/ceramic composites (PVA-VAN/TOB-P) after saline irrigation in a mouse pouch infection model. 3D printed porous titanium (Ti) cylinders (400, 700 and 100 µm in pore size) were implanted into mice pouches, then inoculated with S. aureus at the amounts of 1X10. 3. CFU and 1X10. 6. CFU per pouch, respectively. Mice were randomized into 4 groups (n=6 for each group): (1) no bacteria; (2) bacteria without saline wash; 3) saline wash only, and (4) saline wash+PVA-VAN/TOB-P. After seven days, pouches were washed out alone or with additional injection of 0.2 ml of PVA-VAN/TOB-P. Mice were sacrificed 14 days after pouch wash. Bacteria cultures of collected Ti cylinders and washout fluid and histology of pouch tissues were performed. The low-grade infection (1X10. 3. CFU) was more significant in 400 µm Ti cylinders than that in Ti cylinders with larger pore sizes (700 and 1000 µm (p<0.05). A similar pattern of high-grade infection (1X10. 6. CFU) was observed (p<0.05). For the end wash, the bacteria burden (0.49±0.02) in saline wash group was completely eradicated by the addition of PVA-VAN/TOB-P (0.005±0.001, p<0.05). We noticed that 400 µm Ti cylinders have the highest risk of implant infection. Our data supported that the effect of saline irrigation was very limited in the presence of contaminated porous Ti cylinders. PVA-VAN/TOB-P was biodegradable, biocompatible, and was effective in eradicating bacteria retention after saline irrigation in a mouse model of low grade and high-grade infection. We believe that PVA-VAN/TOB-P represents an alternative to reduce the risk of PJI by providing a sustained local delivery of antibiotics

Introduction and Objective. The rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is a common sports injury and surgical reconstruction is often required to restore full function of the knee. Hamstring tendons are usually used as autografts. In addition to knee pain and stiffness, infections are feared complications after surgery. Incubation of the autograft in a vancomycin solution until implantation reduced the infection rate by about ten-fold. Recent studies showed no negative effect of vancomycin on the biomechanical properties of porcine tendons. A negative effect of high vancomycin concentrations on chondrocytes and osteoblast is reported, but the effect on tendon and tenocytes is not known. Materials and Methods. Rat Achilles tendons or isolated tenocytes were incubated with an increasing concentration of vancomycin (0 – 10 mg). Tendons were incubated for 0 – 40 minutes, while tenoyctes were incubated for 20 minutes followed by culturing for up to 7 days. Cell viability was assessed with PrestoBlue Assay and live/dead stain. The potential effect of vancomycin on the expression of tendon specific genes and extracellular matrix (ECM) genes was quantified. Possible structural changes of the tendon are analyzed. Results. Incubation of the tendons or tenocytes with 5 mg vancomycin for 20 minutes (clinical use) had no negative effects on the cell viability in the tendons or the isolated tenocytes, while incubation with the toxic control (ethanol) significantly reduced cell viability. Even twice the concentration and a longer incubation time had no negative effect on the cells in the tendons or the isolated cells. Vancyomycin did not affect the expression of Col1a1, Col3a1, and the tenocyte markers mohawk, scleraxis and tenomodulin. Conclusions. The results showed that clinical practice of wrapping the autograft in vancomycin did not impair the tenocyte viability. The expression of collagens and tenocyte markers was also not affected, neither in the incubated tendons nor in the isolated cells. This indicates that vancomycin had no effect on cell phenotype and the formation of the extracellular matrix, which, in addition to cell viability, is important for the performance of the autograft

We developed a novel silorane-based biomaterial (SBB) for use as an orthopedic cement. SBB is comprised of non-toxic silicon-based monomers, undergoes non-exothermic polymerization, and has weight-bearing strength required of orthopedic cements. We sought to compare the antibiotic release kinetics of this new cement to that of commercially available PMMA bone cement. We also evaluated each material's inherent propensity to support the attachment of bacteria under both static and dynamic conditions. One gram of either rifampin or vancomycin was added to 40g batches of PMMA and SBB. Pellets were individually soaked in PBS. Eluate was collected and tested daily for 14 days using HPLC. Compressive strength and modulus were tested over 21 days. Bioassays were used to confirm the bioactivity of the antibiotics eluted. We measured the growth and maturation of staphylococcus aureus (SA) biofilm on the surface of both PMMA and SBB disks over the course of 72 hours in a static well plate and in a dynamic biofilm reactor (CDC Biofilm Reactor). N=4 at 24, 48, and 72 hours. A luminescent strain of SA (Xen 29) was employed allowing imaging of bacteria on the discs. SBB eluted higher concentrations of vancomycin than did PMMA over the course of 14 days (p<0.001). A significant 55.1% greater day 1 elution was observed from SBB. Silorane cement was able to deliver rifampin in clinically favorable concentrations over 14 days. On the contrary, PMMA was unable to deliver rifampin past day 1. The incorporation of rifampin into PMMA severely reduced its mechanical strength (p<0.001) and modulus (p<0.001). Surface bacterial radiance of PMMA specimens was significantly greater than that of SBB specimens at all time points (p<0.05). The novel silorane-based cement demonstrated superior antibiotic release and, even without antibiotic incorporation, demonstrated an innate inhabitation to bacterial attachment and biofilm

Introduction and Objective. Management of bone loss associated with bone contamination or infection represents a double biological and clinical challenge frequent in traumatology. The advent of new biomaterials can allow a different approach in the treatment of bone gap. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic effectiveness of addition of a new absorbable bone substitute (BS) eluting different antibiotics in reconstruction of bone defects after infections and fractures with soft tissue damage. Materials and Methods. We conducted a review of patients with contaminated or infected bone defects treated using a new biomaterial, a porous composite of collagen matrices and Beta tricalcium phosphate (β TCP), able to provide a long-term release of different antibiotics. We have included treatment of osteomyelitis and osteosynthesis of exposed fracture (Gustilo Anderson 1–3b) or fractures with soft tissue damage and high risk of contamination. Surgical technique included debridement filling bone defect with BS eluting antibiotics, osteosynthesis (plate, nail, external fixator, kirschner wire), soft tissue coverage, and systemic antibiotic therapy. Radiographic and clinical data including complications (wound dehiscence, superficial or deep infection, osteomyelitis) were collected. Results. We treated 25 patients (21 male, 4 female) with mean age 47 yrs. (range 21–83). The locations treated (for incidence) was: 9 femurs (7 plates, 2 nail), 7 calcanei (one bilateral), 3 tibias, 2 forearms, 2 metatarsi, 2 hands, 1 elbow. 6 patients had large bone loss. 7 patients had bone infections (4 were Cierny Madern 4); 8 patients had osteosynthesis of exposed fractures Gustilo Anderson 1–3b (9 plate, one bilateral calcaneus). 8 patients had treatment for pseudoarthrosis of exposed fractures (6 femurs, 1 forearm, 1 metatarsus) and 3 patients a prophylactic treatment for calcaneal fractures with soft tissue damage. 4 deep infection were treated with multiple surgical debridement and new filling bone defect with BS eluting antibiotic with infection eradication. We have used a combination of vancomycin and gentamicin on 15 cases, vancomycin alone on 4 cases, combination of vancomycin and amikacin on 1 case and amikacin and Linezolid in a targeted multi drug resistance. At final follow-up functional outcome was good in all cases with bone healing. Conclusions. Extensive debridement is a fundamental requisite for eradication of bone infections and contamination. Filling of the bone void with loaded bio-composite eluting diversifiable local antibiotics with synergistic anti-biofilm activity is desirable. Treatment of this bone defects are advantaged when combining his reconstruction with BS and the possibility of release high antibiotic concentration at least for 10 days. This is an important complementing prophylactic and therapeutic antimicrobial option with adjuvant role to systemic therapy that enlarges the success rate

Objectives. The objective of this study was to compare the elution characteristics, antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) loaded with powdered antibiotic, powdered antibiotic with inert filler (xylitol), or liquid antibiotic, particularly focusing on vancomycin and amphotericin B. Methods. Cement specimens loaded with 2 g of vancomycin or amphotericin B powder (powder group), 2 g of antibiotic powder and 2 g of xylitol (xylitol group) or 12 ml of antibiotic solution containing 2 g of antibiotic (liquid group) were tested. Results. Vancomycin elution was enhanced by 234% in the liquid group and by 12% in the xylitol group compared with the powder group. Amphotericin B elution was enhanced by 265% in the liquid group and by 65% in the xylitol group compared with the powder group. Based on the disk-diffusion assay, the eluate samples of vancomycin-loaded ALBC of the liquid group exhibited a significantly larger inhibitory zone than samples of the powder or the xylitol group. Regarding the ALBCs loaded with amphotericin B, only the eluate samples of the liquid group exhibited a clear inhibitory zone, which was not observed in either the xylitol or the powder groups. The ultimate compressive strength was significantly reduced in specimens containing liquid antibiotics. Conclusions. Adding vancomycin or amphotericin B antibiotic powder in distilled water before mixing with bone cement can significantly improve the efficiency of antibiotic release than can loading ALBC with the same dose of antibiotic powder. This simple and effective method for preparation of ALBCs can significantly improve the efficiency of antibiotic release in ALBCs. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:246–51

An increasing elderly population means joint replacement surgery numbers are projected to increase, with associated complications such as periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) also rising. PJI are particularly challenging due to antimicrobial resistant biofilm development on implant surfaces and surrounding tissues, with treatment typically involving invasive surgeries and systemic antibiotic delivery. Consequently, functionalisation of implant surfaces to prevent biofilm formation is a major research focus. This study characterises clinically relevant antimicrobials including gentamicin, clindamycin, daptomycin, vancomycin and caspofungin within a silica-based, biodegradable sol-gel coating for prosthetic devices. Antimicrobial activity of the coatings against clinically relevant microorganisms was assessed via disc diffusion assays, broth microdilution culture methods and the MBEC assay used to determine anti-biofilm activity. Human and bovine cells were cultured in presence of antimicrobial sol-gel to determine cytotoxicity using Alamar blue and antibiotic release was measured by LC-MS. Biodegradability in physiological conditions was assayed by FT-IR, ICP-MS and measuring mass change. Effect of degradation products on osteogenesis were studied by culturing mesenchymal stem cells in the presence of media in which sol-gel samples had been immersed. Antimicrobial-loaded coatings showed strong activity against a wide range of clinically relevant bacterial and fungal pathogens with no loss of activity from antibiotic alone. The sol-gel coating demonstrated controlled release of antimicrobials and initial sol-gel coatings showed no loss of viability on MSCs with gentamicin containing coatings. Current work is underway investigating cytotoxicity of sol-gel compositions against MG-63 cells and primary osteoblasts. This research forms part of an extended study into a promising antimicrobial delivery strategy to prevent PJI. The implant coating has potential to advance PJI infection prevention, reducing future burden upon healthcare costs and patient wellbeing

Treatment of bone infection often includes a burdensome two-stage revision. After debridement, contaminated implants are removed and replaced with a non-absorbable cement spacer loaded with antibiotics. Weeks later, the spacer is exchanged with a bone graft aiding bone healing. However, even with this two-stage approach infection persists. In this study, we investigated whether a novel 3D-printed, antibiotic-loaded, osteoinductive calcium phosphate scaffold (CPS) is effective in single-stage revision of an infected non-union with segmental bone loss in rabbits. A 5 mm defect was created in the radius of female New Zealand White rabbits. The bone fragment was replaced, stabilized with cerclage wire and inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). After 4 weeks, the infected bone fragment was removed, the site debrided and a spacer implanted. Depending on group allocation, rabbits received: 1) PMMA spacer with gentamycin; 2) CPS loaded with rifampin and vancomycin and 3) Non-loaded CPS. These groups received systemic cefazolin for 4 weeks after revision. Group 4 received a loaded CPS without any adjunctive systemic therapy (n=12 group1-3, n=11 group 4). All animals were euthanized 8 weeks after revision and assessed by quantitative bacteriology or histology. Covariance analysis (ANCOVA) and multiple regression were performed. All animals were culture positive at revision surgery. Half of the animals in all groups had eliminated the infection by end of study. In a historical control group with empty defect and no systemic antibiotic treatment, all animals were infected at euthanasia. There was no significant difference in CFU counts between groups at euthanasia. Our results show that treating an osteomyelitis with segmental bone loss either with CPS or PMMA has a similar cure rate of infection. However, by not requiring a second surgery, the use of CPS may offer advantages over non-resorbable equivalents such as PMMA

Antibiotic-laden bone cement is an important strategy of treatment for an established bone infection. It was aimed to find the safe antibiotic dose intervals of the antibiotic cements soaked in Phosphate Buffered Saline solution and to determine whether there was a difference in terms of mechanical strength between the prepared samples. This study was done in our institute Microbiology and Metallurgy laboratories. All samples were prepared using manual mixing technique using 40 g radiopaque Biomet® Bone cement (Zimmer Biomet, Indiana, USA) under sterile conditions at 19 ± 2 ºC. In this study, vancomycin (4 groups − 0.5, 2, 4, 6 g), teicoplanin (4 groups − 0.8, 1.2, 2, 2.4 g), daptomycin (4 groups − 1, 2, 2.5, 3 g), piperacillin-tazobactam (4 groups − 0.125, 0.5, 1, 2 g) and meropenem (4 groups − 0.5, 2, 4, 6 g) were measured in a assay balance and added to the cement powder. Antibiotic levels ranged from the lowest 0.625% to the highest 15%. 80×10×4 mm rectangle prism-shaped sample for mechanical measurements in accordance to ISO 5833 standart and 12×6×1 mm disc-shaped samples for microbiological assesments were used. Four sample for each antibiotic dose and control group was made. Prepared samples were evaluated macroscopically and faulty samples were excluded from the study. Prepared samples were kept in Phosphate Buffered Saline solution renewed every 24 hours at 37 ºC. At the end of 6 weeks, all samples were tested with Instron ® 3369 (Norwood Massachusetts, USA) four point bending test. Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) strain was used for samples of antibiotics containing vancomycin, teicoplanin and daptomycin after the samples prepared for antibiotic release were maintained under sterile conditions and kept in Phosphate Buffered Saline solution as appropriate. For samples containing meropenem and piperacillin - tazobactam antibiotics, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) strain was used. The addition of more than 5% antibiotics to the cement powder was significantly reduced mechanical strength in all groups(p <0.05) however the power of significance was changed depending on the type of antibiotic. In general, adding antibiotics with 2.5% and less for cement amount was not cause significant changes in mechanical measurements. There was a negative correlation between the increase in the amount of antibiotics mixed with cement and the durability of the cement (p: <0.001, r: −0.883 to 0.914). In this study, especially the antibacterial effects of piperacillin-tazobactam, containing 0.25 gr and 0.5 gr antibiotic doses, were found to be low. There was no bacterial growth in all other groups for 21 days. Considering the mechanical properties of groups containing meropenem, vancomycin, daptomycin and teicoplanin, it was observed that all antibiotic cements remained above the limit value of 50 MPa in the bending test at concentrations containing 2.5% and less antibiotics. This was not achieved for the piperacillin-tazobactam group. The findings of the study showed that each antibiotic has different MPa values at different doses. Therefore, it could be concluded that not only the antibiotic dose but also the type oould change the mechanical properties. In the light of these findings, mixing more than 2.5% antibiotics in cement for the antibiotic types included in the study was ineffective in terms of antibacterial effect and mechanically reduces the durability of cement below the standard value of 50 MPa

Background. Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen involved in implant-related infections. In these diseases, biofilm production is the key pathogenic event, and it increases antibiotic resistance of the organism. Because this phenomenon, local delivery of antibiotics could allows reaching high concentrations in the infected tissue without the secondary effects linked to systemic administration. Here we report the use of a ceramic biomaterial (SBA-15) as a carrier of antibiotics in order to deliver them directly in the infected tissue. Material and methods. SBA-15 discs were loaded with vancomycin, rifampin and a combination of both according to the protocol described by Molina-Manso et al. Loaded discs were introduced in a 0.5 McFarland suspension of S. aureus 15981 and incubated during 6 and 24 hours in order to develop a biofilm. After incubation, samples were sonicated during 5 minutes and 1:10 serial dilutions were performed in order to count viable bacteria. All experiments were performed in triplicate. Results. A statistically significant decrease in the number of viable bacteria was detected for all antibiotics at 6 hours, and also for vancomycin and the combination. Rifampin showed an increase in the number of viable bacteria at 24 hours. No differences were detected between vancomycin and the combination of antibiotics. Conclusion. SBA-15 can carry antibiotics that have effect on bacterial biofilm. The use of rifampin alone showed a loss of the effect after 24 hours of incubation, probably due to the selection of resistant mutants that nullify the effect of the antibiotic. No differences have been detected between vancomycin alone and its combination with rifampin in this experiment

Aim. To determine if systemic toxicity occurs after the use of antibiotic loaded calcium sulphate in the treatment (1) of bone and soft tissue infection. Although antibiotic loaded calcium sulphate is increasingly used for the local treatment of bone and soft tissue infection, 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. Methods. Patients with osteomyelitis or soft tissue infection underwent surgical debridement and lavage of the infected tissue in routine fashion. Patients with osteomyelitis were graded with the Cierny-Mader classification. Bone cavities and soft tissue dead spaces were packed with antibiotic loaded calcium sulphate (10–40 cc) loaded with Vancomycin (1–4 g) and Gentamicin (240–960 mg). The wounds were closed over the antibiotic loaded calcium sulphate. Patients underwent serial assays of Vancomycin and Gentamicin levels on the day of surgery and the first two post-operative days. Renal function was also measured. Results. 12 limbs in 10 patients were treated for osteomyelitis or soft tissue infection. There was 1 Cierny-Mader grade 1, 3 Cierny-Mader grade 3, and 2 Cierny-Mader grade 4. Two had deep soft tissue infection alone. There were 3 type A hosts and 7 type B hosts. The patients age ranged from 24 to 89 (mean 54). In patients without renal dysfunction, the systemic levels were either unmeasurable at the first assay, or below the acceptable trough level. (Mean 2.4 and 1.8 for Vancomycin and Gentamycin respectively). They had unmeasurable 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 Stimulan, antibiotic assays are not necessary in patients who have normal renal function, as they clear the systemic absorption as quickly as it is generated. Patients with impaired renal function should have lower doses of antibiotic used for their topically applied carrier, and should undergo assays regularly to ascertain if levels are remaining below the accepted range determined for systemically administered antibiotics. If they remain high, the antibiotic loaded calcium sulphate could be removed. * Stimulan (Biocomposites, Keele, UK)

Infection remains among the first reasons for failure of joint prosthesis. Currently, the golden standard for treating prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) is two-stage revision. However, two-stage procedures have been reported to be associated with higher costs and possible higher morbidity and mortality, compared to one-stage. Furthermore, recent studies showed the ability of a fast-resorbable, antibacterial-loaded hydrogel coating to reduce surgical site infections after joint replacement, by preventing bacterial colonization of implants. Aim of this study was then to compare the infection recurrence rate after a one-stage, cemenless exchange, performed with an antibacterial coated implant versus a standardized two-stage revision procedure. In this two-center prospective study, 22 patients, candidate to revision surgery for PJI, were enrolled to undergo a one-stage revision surgery with cementless implants, coated intra-operatively with a fast-resorbable, antibiotic-loaded hyaluronan and poly-D,L-lactide based hydrogel coating (“Defensive Antibacterial Coating”, DAC, Novagenit, Italy). DAC was reconstructed according to manufacturer indications and loaded with Vancomycin or Vancomycin + Meropenem, according to cultural examinations, and directly spread onto the implant before insertion. This prospective cohort was compared with a retrospective series of 22 consecutive patients, matched for age, sex, host type, site of surgery, that underwent a two stage procedure, using a preformed, antibiotic-loaded spacer (Tecres, Italy) and a cementless implant. The second surgery, for definitive implant placing, was performed only after CRP normalization and no clinical sign of infection. Clinical, laboratory and radiographic evaluation were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Infection recurrence was defined by the presence of a sinus tract communicating with the joint, or at least two among the following criteria: clinical signs of infections; elevated CRP and ESR; elevated synovial fluid WBC count; elevated synovial fluid leukocyte esterase; a positive cultural examination from synovial fluid; radiographic signs of stem loosening. The two groups did not differ significantly for age, sex, host type and site of surgery (18 knees and 4 hips, respectively). The DAC hydrogel was loaded intra-operatively, according to cultural examination, with vancomycin (14 patients) or vancomycin and meropenem (8 cases). At a mean follow-up of 20.2 ± 6.3 months, 2 patients (9.1%) in the DAC group showed an infection recurrence, compared to 3 patients (13.6%) in the two-stage group. No adverse events associated with the use of DAC or radiographic loosening of the stem were observed at the latest follow-up months. This is the first report on one-stage cementless revision surgery for PJI, performed with a fast-resorbable antibacterial hydrogel coating. Our data, although in a limited series of patients and at a relatively short follow-up, show similar infection recurrence rate after one-stage exchange with cementless, coated implants, compared to two-stage revision. These findings warrant further studies in the possible applications of antibacterial coating technologies to treat implant-related infections

Background. North America is facing a rising epidemic involving strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that, instead of being found almost exclusively in hospitals, are community-associated (CA-MRSA). These strains are aggressive, associated with musculoskeletal manifestations including osteomyelitis (OM), and septic arthritis (SA). We aimed to establish novel management algorithms for acute OM and SA in children. We investigated S.aureus susceptibilities to current first-line antimicrobials to determine their local efficacy. Methods. The project was conducted at Nemours Children Hospital in Florida, USA, following approval by the internal review board. A literature review was conducted. An audit of S.aureus antimicrobial sensitivities was completed over three years and compared against national standards. Susceptibilities of clindamycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) and vancomycin were studied using local resistance ranges. Results. Two algorithms for acute OM and SA management were created adopting a multidisciplinary team approach from admission to discharge whilst differentiating higher risk patients within fast-track pathways. We analysed 532 microbiology results for antibiotic susceptibilities from 2012 to 2014. Overall, 51% of S.aureus infections were MRSA versus 49% methicillin-susceptible S.aureus (MSSA). Surprisingly, clindamycin resistance rates rose compared to 2005 (MRSA 7% in 2005 vs 39% currently, MSSA 20% vs 31% and total S.aureus resistance rate of 8% vs 35%, respectively). MRSA and MSSA isolates were near 100% sensitive to Vancomycin and TMP/SMX. No appropriate national standards existed. Conclusions. Multidisciplinary based algorithms were created for acute OM and SA treatment in children. Possible therapeutic roles for ultrasound guided aspiration and corticosteroids were highlighted in SA. Our audit revealed equal incidence of MSSA to MRSA, supporting national figures on falling MRSA. Interestingly, incresed resistance of MSSA and MRSA was found towards recommended first line clindamycin, raising concern over its efficacy. Level of Evidence. 5

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 discussion will focus on new approaches to reduce bacterial adhesion on the surface of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in contact with bone, comparing the clinical and engineering point of view. One possibility is to encourage and speed up direct interaction with the bone, for example by adding a bioactive phase in the cement (hydroxyapatite, glass and bioactive glass ceramic). A widespread strategy is also the addition of different types of antibiotics (gentamicin, tobramycin vancomycin, etc.), although they are known to have some drawbacks: not complete release, resistant strain development. Another strategy could be represented by the PMMA-based composite cements loaded with a completely inorganic filler consisting of a bioactive glass doped with ions whose bioactivity mechanism is well-known and encompasses a chemical and biological interaction with tissues promoting osteoinduction. Bioactive glasses can be doped with antibacterial ions (silver, copper, etc.) preserving their biocompatibility and bioactivity and, at the same time, acquiring antibacterial properties. Thus, it is possible to produce composite cements that combine the properties of the polymer matrix with those of the inorganic filler, overcoming the main problems associated with the use of antibiotics. An additional possibility is the addition of essential oils, vegetable oils with remarkable antibacterial properties

Infection is one of the most serious complications of orthopedic surgery, particularly in implant-related procedures. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for identified bacteria is an important factor for successful antibiotic treatment. We investigated the MIC of antibiotics in Staphylococcus species from orthopedic infections, comparing with isolates from respiratory medicine. Staphylococcus species isolated in our laboratory from January 2013 to July 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The MIC of vancomycin (VCM), arbekacin (ABK), teicoplanin (TEIC), linezolid (LZD), and rifampicin (RFP) was reviewed. Differences in the MIC of each antibiotic in orthopedic and respiratory samples were determined. A total of 259 isolates were evaluated (89 orthopedic, 170 respiratory). Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly identified species (58%). In comparison with orthopedic samples, the number of isolates with a VCM MIC <0.5 μg/ml in methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was significantly higher in respiratory isolates, while a MIC of 2 μg/ml was significantly lower (P = 0.0078). The proportion of isolates with a VCM MIC of 2 μg/ml in methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS) was significantly higher in orthopedic isolates than that seen in respiratory isolates of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; P < 0.001). When comparing MRCNS and other orthopedic Staphylococci, the rate of RFP MIC >2 μg/ml in MRCNS isolates was significantly higher (P = 0.0058). The MIC of VCM in Staphylococcus species from orthopedic infection was higher than that of respiratory samples, particularly in MRCNS from implant-related samples. MRCNS showed a significantly higher rate of resistance for RFP versus other orthopedic isolates