Objective . A clinical investigation into a new bone void filler is giving first data on systemic and local exposure to the anti-infective substance after implantation. Method . A total of 20 patients with post-traumatic/post-operative bone infections were enrolled in this open-label, prospective study. After radical surgical debridement, the bone cavity was filled with this material. The 21-day hospitalisation phase included determination of gentamicin concentrations in plasma, urine and wound exudate, assessment of wound healing, infection parameters, implant resorption, laboratory parameters, and adverse event monitoring. The follow-up period was six months. . Results . Systemic exposure to gentamicin after implantation was very low as local gentamicin concentrations were measured in wound exudate after six to ten hours. There were no signs of infectious complication throughout the clinical phase. Four patients had recurrent infections several weeks to months after implantation. The outcome was deemed successful by remission of infection in 16 (80%) of these problematic long-term treated patients. Safety laboratory measurements did not indicate nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic effects. . Conclusions . Local application of calcium sulphate/carbonate bone void filler comprising gentamicin revealed sufficient active local levels of the antibiotic by simultaneous significant low systemic exposure in patients with mostly chronic osteomyelitis/osteitis. The material was safe and well tolerated. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:223–9

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo biocompatibility of novel single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLAGA) composites for applications in bone and tissue regeneration.

Tendinopathy is a debilitating musculoskeletal condition which can cause significant pain and lead to complete rupture of the tendon, which often requires surgical repair. Due in part to the large spectrum of tendon pathologies, these disorders continue to be a clinical challenge. Animal models are often used in this field of research as they offer an attractive framework to examine the cascade of processes that occur throughout both tendon pathology and repair. This review discusses the structural, mechanical, and biological changes that occur throughout tendon pathology in animal models, as well as strategies for the improvement of tendon healing.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:193–202.

Objectives

Surgical marking during tendon surgery is often used for technical and teaching purposes. This study investigates the effect of a gentian violet ink marker pen, a common surgical marker, on the viability of the tissue and cells of tendon.