Previous studies of primary internal fixation of infected non-unions have reported high failure rates. Local antibiotic carriers and coatings have been advocated to reduce infection around implants and allow bone healing. We evaluated the effect of a calcium sulphate/hydroxyapatite antibiotic-loaded composite on bone healing and the eradication of infection in combination with internal fixation. Twelve cases of established infected non-union, with segmental bone loss of up to 1cm were treated using a multidisciplinary protocol. This included; excision, deep sampling, stabilisation, local and systemic antibiotics, and soft-tissue closure. We treated 5 femurs, 4 humeri, 1 tibia and 2 periarticular non-unions at the ankle. Mean age was 59.8 years (34–75) and 9 patients had systemic co-morbidities (C-M Type B hosts). 9 patients had single stage surgery, with 5 IM Nails and 4 plates. Three patients had planned second stage internal fixation after external fixation to correct deformity. Staph. aureus was the commonest pathogen (5 cases) with polymicrobial infection in 3 cases.Aim
Method
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. 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.Aims
Method
Simultaneous application of Ilizarov frames and free muscle flaps to treat osteomyelitis or infected non-unions is currently not standard practice in the UK, in part related to logistical issues, surgical duration and challenging access for microvascular anastomosis. We present the outcomes for 56 such patients. Retrospective single centre consecutive series between 2005–2017. We recorded comorbidities, Cierny-Mader and Weber-Cech classification, the Ilizarov method used, flap and anastomosis used, follow-up duration, time to union and complications.Aim
Methods
To investigate a treatment algorithm of various Ilizarov methods in managing infected tibial non-union. A consecutive series of 76 patients with infected tibial non-union were treated with one of four Ilizarov protocols, consisting of; monofocal distraction (25 cases), monofocal compression (18), bifocal compression/distraction (16) and bone transport (17). Median duration of non-union was 10.5 months (range 2–546 months). All patients underwent at least one previous operation, 36 had associated limb deformity and 49 had non-viable non-unions. Twenty-six cases had a new muscle flap at the time of Ilizarov surgery and 24 others had pre-existing flaps.Aims
Patients and Methods
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. 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) Objectives
Materials and Methods
