The aim of this study was to develop a single-layer hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel coating that is capable of a controlled antibiotic release for cementless hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium orthopaedic prostheses. Coatings containing gentamicin at a concentration of 1.25% weight/volume (wt/vol), similar to that found in commercially available antibiotic-loaded bone cement, were prepared and tested in the laboratory for: kinetics of antibiotic release; activity against planktonic and biofilm bacterial cultures; biocompatibility with cultured mammalian cells; and physical bonding to the material (n = 3 in all tests). The sol-gel coatings and controls were then tested in vivo in a small animal healing model (four materials tested; n = 6 per material), and applied to the surface of commercially pure HA-coated titanium rods.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to establish the diagnostic accuracy
of culture of joint aspirate with and without saline injection-reaspiration. This is a retrospective analysis of 580 hip and knee aspirations
in patients who were deemed to have a moderate to high risk of infection,
and who subsequently proceeded to revision arthroplasty over a period
of 12 years. It was carried out at a large quaternary referral centre
where preoperative aspiration is routine.Aims
Patients and Methods