We compared the quality of debridement of chondral lesions performed by four arthroscopic (SH, shaver; CU, curette; SHCU, shaver and curette; BP, bipolar electrodes) and one open technique (OPEN, scalpel and curette) which are used prior to autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). The ex vivo simulation of all five techniques was carried out on six juvenile equine stifle joints. The OPEN, SH and SHCU techniques were tested on knees harvested from six adult human cadavers. The most vertical walls with the least adjacent damage to cartilage were obtained with the OPEN technique. The CU and SHCU methods gave inferior, but still acceptable results whereas the SH technique alone resulted in a crater-like defect and the BP method undermined the cartilage wall. The subchondral bone was severely violated in all the equine samples which might have been peculiar to this model. The predominant depth of the debridement in the adult human samples was at the level of the calcified cartilage. Some minor penetrations of the subchondral end-plate were induced regardless of the instrumentation used. Our study suggests that not all routine arthroscopic instruments are suitable for the preparation of a defect for ACI. We have shown that the preferred debridement technique is either open or arthroscopically-assisted manual curettage. The use of juvenile equine stifles was not appropriate for the study of the cartilage-subchondral bone interface

Summary. Analysis of existing data of patients who had undergone debridement procedure for osteoarthritis (OA) of glenohumeral joint showed improvement in disability at a minimum of one year following surgery. Injured workers were significantly younger and had a poorer outcome. Introduction. There is little information on debridement for OA of the shoulder joint. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that affect the outcome of arthroscopic debridement with or without acromioplasty /resection of clavicle of patients with osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, in subjective perception of disability and functional range of motion and strength at a minimum of one year following surgery. Patients and Methods. Existing data of patients with advanced OA of the glenohumeral joint who had undergone debridement were used for analysis. These patients were not good candidates for shoulder arthroplasty due to a young age, high activity level, or desire to avoid major surgery at the time of assessment. Arthroscopic debridement included removal of loose bodies, chondral flaps, and degenerative tissue. Resection of the lateral end of the clavicle or acromioplasty was performed as clinically indicated for management of osteoarthritis of the Acromioclavicular (AC) joint or subacromial impingement respectively. Disability at a minimum of 12 months following surgery was measured by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's (ASES) assessment form, Constant-Murley score (CMS), strength, and painfree range of motion (ROM) in four directions. Impact of sex, age, having acromioplasty or resection of clavicle, and having an active work-related compensation claim was examined. Results. Seventy-four patients (mean age= 55, SD: 14 (range: 25–88), range: 35–86, 34 females, 40 males) were included in analysis. The average symptom duration was 5.8 years. Fifty nine (80%) patients had an associated subacromial decompression [55 (74%) had acromioplasty, 32(43%) had resection of the lateral end of the clavicle, and 28 (38%) had both procedures]. Nineteen (26%) patients had a work-related compensation claim related to their shoulder. This group was significantly younger than the non-compensation group (45 vs. 58, p=0.0001). Paired student t-tests showed a statistically significant improvement in scores of ASES and CMS (p<0.0001), strength (p=0.001) and painfree range of motion (p=0.01) at a minimum of 1 year follow-up. The ANCOVA model that incorporated sex, age, additional decompression (AC resection or acromioplasty), compensation claim and pre-op scores, showed that the pre-op scores and having a work-related claim were the most influential predictors of post-op scores of ASES, CMS, and ROM. The post-op strength was the only factor that was affected by sex, age and having a work-related claim. Discussion/Conclusion. Arthroscopic debridement with or without acromioplasty /resection of the lateral end of the clavicle improved disability, painfree range of motion and strength in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of glenohumeral joint at a minimum of one year following surgery. Patients with an active compensation claim related to their shoulder were significantly younger and had a poorer outcome

Despite widespread use, the benefit of knee arthroscopy for symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) remains controversial. The theoretical benefit of removal of particulate debris and washout of inflammatory cytokines has not been supported by strong evidence. Arguments exist for its short term benefit in well selected patients. We sought to determine if arthroscopy provided any short term symptomatic relief in patients with a clinical diagnosis of OA in our unit. A total of 20 patients were listed for routine arthroscopy over a one year period for OA. Mean age was 60 (range 48–74) years and 3 in 5 patients were female. 9 patients were listed by registrars, 6 by locum consultants and 5 by substantive consultants. One procedure was cancelled on the day of surgery due to lack of indication, with 19 knees proceeding to surgery. There was evidence of significant arthritis in 17 knees, 6 of which had associated degenerate meniscus tears. Two knees had meniscus tears without significant arthritis. All patients had washout and debridement and in addition, 8 partial menisectomies were carried out together with 3 loose body removals. Patients were followed up after an average of 12 weeks. The 2 patients (both male, mean age 52) with meniscus tears in the absence of significant arthritis fully recovered. Both had symptoms of true locking. 2 patients with loose bodies also fully recovered. With the exception of 2 patients with partial relief, the remainder had no symptomatic relief. One reported a worsening of symptoms and progressed to total knee arthroplasty. These results suggest that arthroscopic debridement and washout plays a limited role in the short term symptomatic relief of OA. Surgeons should limit its use to younger patients with mild radiographic disease and true mechanical symptoms who are otherwise unsuitable for arthroplasty and not keen on undergoing joint conserving surgery

Intro

Calcium sulphate (CS) is a recent alternative for antibiotic elution in infected bones and joints. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of antibiotic impregnated calcium sulphate (AICS) beads in the management of infected tibia and femur, with regards to patient outcomes and complication rates (including reinfection rate, remission rate and union rate).

Surgical debridement for medial epicondylitis (ME) is indicated for patients with refractory ME. The clinical efficacy of simple debridement has not been studied sufficiently. Moreover, authors experienced surgical outcome of ME was not as good as lateral epicondylitis. In this regard, authors have combined the atelocollagen injection in the debridement surgery of ME. The purpose of study was to compare clinical outcomes between simple debridement and debridement combined with atelocollagen injection in the ME. Twenty-five patients with refractory ME and underwent surgical debridement were included in the study. Group A (n=13) was treated with isolated debridement surgery, and group B (n=12) was treated with debridement combined with 1.0 mL of type I atelocollagen. Pain and functional improvements were assessed using visual analogue scale, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale respectively before surgery, at 3, 6 months after surgery and at the final follow-up. Demographic data did not show significant difference between two groups before surgical procedures. Both groups showed improvement in pain and functional score postoperatively. However, at the 3 months after surgery, group B showed significantly better improvement as compared to group A(VAS 3.1 / 2.0, MEPS 71/82 qDASH 29/23). At the 6 months after surgery and final follow-up, both groups did not show any difference. Surgical debridement combined with atelocollagen is effective treatment option in refractory ME and showed better short-term outcomes compared to isolated surgery

Treatment of tibial osteomyelitis can be challenging and lengthy, with numerous complications possible during rehabilitation. We report on the usage of the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) for a large cohort of patients, and analyse factors that affect outcomes. Between 2015-2020, 51 patients were treated with TSF for osteomyelitis at a major trauma centre. Demographic, infection and treatment factors of: age, smoking status, diabetes, and BMI, acute (<6 weeks post injury) or chronic (>6 weeks) osteomyelitis, bacteria isolated, time to debridement, therapy/surgery number of TSF, time TSF was in, antibiotic treatment period, time to partial weight bear (PWB) and full weight bear (FWB) prescriptions, were collected. Outcomes of complications and time to union were obtained. Radiological union was achieved at mean 11.0 months. Mean follow up was 24.1 months. Six and three patients were further treated with fusion and amputation respectively. Mean treatment time with TSF was 12.1 months. 78% had some complications, with pin site infection, malunion, and non-union being most prevalent. Univariate factor analysis, multicollinearity diagnostics, then multivariate model construction were performed. Staphylococcus Epidermidis in bone debridement microbiology was significantly negatively associated with pin site infection (OR 0.093, 95% CI 0.011-0.828) and malunion (OR 0.698, 95% CI 0.573-0.849), and enterococcus with non-union (OR 0.775, 95% CI 0.656-0.916), during the treatment period. Time to union was significantly positively associated with time from admission to debridement (p=0.035), time TSF was in (p=0.021), presence of complications (p=0.045), bone loss complication(p=0.037), time to FWB prescription(p=0.001). We have analysed the effectiveness of TSF in the treatment of tibial osteomyelitis, and elucidated important injury, treatment and rehabilitation factors that affect outcome. The negative bacterial-complication cross associations could be due to successful eradication as culture specific antibiotics were used postoperatively. Earlier patient full weight bearing could enhance callous formation leading to faster union

Fracture related infection remains a major challenge in musculoskeletal trauma surgery. Despite best practice, treatment strategies suffer from high failure rates due to antibiotic resistance and tolerance. Bacteriophages represent a promising alternative as they retain activity against such bacteria. However, optimal phage administration protocols remain unknown, although injectable hydrogels, loaded with phage and conventional antibiotics, may support conventional therapy. In this study we tested the activity of meropenem, and two newly isolated bacteriophages (ϕ9 and ϕ3) embedded within alginate-chitosan microbeads and a hydrogel. Antibiotic and phage stability and activity were monitored in vitro, over a period of 10 days. In vivo, the same material was tested in treatment of a 5-day old Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of a tibial plate osteotomy in mice. Treatment involved debridement and 5 days of systemic antibiotic therapy plus: i- saline, ii-phages in saline, iii-phages and antibiotics loaded into a hydrogel (n=7 mice/group). To assess the efficacy of the treatments, the infection load was monitored during revision surgery with debridement of the infected tissue after 5,10 and 13 days (euthanasia) by CFU and PFU quantification. In vitro testing confirmed that the stability of meropenem and activity of ϕ9 and ϕ3, was not affected within the alginate beads or hydrogel over 10 days. The in vivo study showed that all mice receiving phages and antibiotics loaded into a hydrogel survived the infection with a reduction of the bacterial load in the soft tissue. Active phages could be recovered from the infected site at euthanasia (10. 4. PFU/g). The hydrogel loaded with bacteriophages and meropenem showed a positive result in locally reducing the infection load indicating a synergistic effect of the selected antimicrobials. Overall, our new strategy shows encouraging results for improving the treatment of antibiotic-resistant biofilm infections that are related to medical implants

Arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has become the mainstay of treatment. However, chondral lesions are frequently encountered and have become a determinant of less favourable outcomes following arthroscopic intervention. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the outcomes of hip arthroscopy (HA) in patients with FAI and concomitant chondral lesions classified as per Outerbridge. A systematic search was performed using the PRISMA guidelines on four databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Studies which included HA as the primary intervention for management of FAI and classified chondral lesions according to the Outerbridge classification were included. Patients treated with open procedures, for osteonecrosis, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and previous ipsilateral hip fractures were excluded. From a total of 863 articles, twenty-four were included for final analysis. Demographic data, PROMs, and radiological outcomes and rates of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were collected. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. Improved post-operative PROMs included mHHS (mean difference:-2.42; 95%CI:-2.99 to −1.85; p<0.001), NAHS (mean difference:-1.73; 95%CI: −2.23 to −1.23; p<0.001), VAS (mean difference: 2.03; 95%CI: 0.93-3.13; p<0.001). Pooled rate of revision surgery was 10% (95%CI: 7%-14%). Most of this included conversion to THA, with a 7% pooled rate (95%CI: 4%-11%). Patients had worse PROMs if they underwent HA with labral debridement (p=0.015), had Outerbridge 3 and 4 lesions (p=0.012), concomitant lesions of the femoral head and acetabulum lesions (p=0.029). Reconstructive cartilage techniques were superior to microfracture (p=0.042). Even in concomitant lesions of the femoral head and acetabulum, employing either microfracture or cartilage repair/reconstruction provided a benefit in PROMs (p=0.027). Acceptable post-operative outcomes following HA with labral repair/reconstruction and cartilage repair in patients with FAI and concomitant moderate-to-severe chondral lesions, can be achieved. Patients suffering from Outerbridge 3 and 4 lesions, concomitant acetabular rim and femoral head chondral lesions that underwent HA with labral debridement, had worse PROMs. Reconstructive cartilage techniques were superior to microfracture. Even in concomitant acetabular and femoral head chondral lesions, employing either microfracture or cartilage repair/reconstruction was deemed to provide a benefit in PROMs

Introduction and Objective. Joint malleolar fractures have been estimated around 9% of all fractures. They are characterized by different both early and late complications. Among the latter, arthrofibrosis and early secondary arthrosis represent the two most common ones. Moreover, these two complications could be considered related to each other. Their real cause is still under investigation, even if residual post-operative hematoma and acute post-traumatic synovitis appear to be the most accredited. Supporting this hypothesis, joint debridement and the evacuation of the post-operative hematoma could represent a possible solution. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the role of arthroscopic lavage and debridement during internal fixation in order to prevent late joint complications. Materials and Methods. Sixty consecutive patients who reported dislocated articular ankle fractures with surgical indication of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) have been included in this study. 27 patients underwent ORIF surgery associated with arthroscopic washout and debridement, while 33 patients, representing the control group, underwent just internal reduction and osteosynthesis. Patients with pure dislocations, non-articular fractures, polytrauma, previous local trauma, metabolic and connective pathologies were excluded. Follow-up was performed at 40 days (T1), 3 (T2) and 6 months (T3) after trauma for all patients. If necessary, some have been re-evaluated 12 months after the trauma. Efficacy of the treatment was evaluated through the VAS scale, Maryland scale, search for local complications such as dehiscence or infections, and finally radiographic evaluation. T-Student was estimated in order to individuate statistical significance. Results. VAS scale showed higher values for the case group than the control group with mean values of 2.7 and 4.2 at T1 and 2.1 and 3.8 at T2, respectively. At 6 months follow-up, the VAS values resulted similar with 2.6 for the case group and 2.8 for the control group. The same projections were found for the Maryland scale, with values of 61.5 and 40.7 at T1, 80.8 and 68.0 at T2 and 87.8 and 85.0 with no significant differences at T3 respectively. No significant differences were detected for complications or radiographic evaluation. Conclusions. Our study has shown significance differences in terms of pain and time for recovery only in the very short term follow up. Although our study, due to the specific limits, cannot be considered diriment, on the basis of the data, we could hypothesize that the aforementioned hypothesis may remain valid for the non-acute hematoma or that the cause of the arthrofibrosis should be sought somewhere else. However, evidence is low, and further research is needed

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

Introduction. The BOAST (British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma) guidelines do advise that open pilon fractures amongst other open lower limb fractures need to be treated at a specialist centre with Orthoplastic care. The purpose of this study was to determine clinical outcomes in patients with open pilon fractures treated as per BOAST guidelines including relatively aggressive bone debridement. Methods. A retrospective analysis of a single surgeon series of open pilon fractures treated between 2014 and 2019 was conducted. Injuries were graded according to the Gustillo-Anderson classification and all patients were included for the assessment of the rate of infection and fracture healing. Functional outcome assessment was performed in all patients according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) at 6 months after definitive surgery. Initial wound with bone debridement and application of a spanning external fixator was performed within an average of 13.5 (Range: 3–24) hours. Fixation with FWF (Fine Wire Frame) was performed when the wound was healed, with the mean time from primary surgery to application of FWF being 24.5 (Range: 7–60) days. Results. There was a total of 20 patients including 16 males and 4 females. The mean age was 50.45 (Range: 16–88) years. Follow-up was for an average of 23.2 (Range: 5–51) months. There were 3 patients with Gustilo Type I injuries, 6 with Type II, 4 Type with type IIIa and 7 with Type IIIb injuries. Average time to bone union was 9.3 (Range: 2–18) months. The mean AOFAS score was 66 (Range: 15–97) points. TSF was used on 18 patients, while 2 patients had an Ilizarov frame. A corticotomy was performed on 4 patients with critical bone defect post debridement, while 2 patients had Stimulan beads with antibiotics. There was 1 case (5%) of deep infection and 9 cases (45%) of superficial infection. There were also 2 cases (10%) of non-union which required bone grafting from their femur using a RIA (Reamer Irrigation Aspirator). Other complications included 1 case of acute compartment syndrome, 1 case of pulmonary embolism, 1 case of necrotic skin and 1 case of amputation. Conclusion. Results of our study suggests that the use of staged wound debridement including relatively aggressive bone debridement in conjunction with antibiotics, external fixators and patient tailored conversion from spanning external fixator to fine wire frame achieves low rates of wound infection and complications for patients with open pilon fractures

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on Gustilo-Anderson (GA) type IIIB open tibial shaft (AO-42) injuries to determine the consistency of reporting in the literature. A search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to identify relevant studies published from January 2000 to January 2021 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The study was registered using the PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews. Patient/injury demographics, management and outcome reporting were recorded. There were 32 studies that met the inclusion criteria with a total of 1,947 patients (70.3% male, 29.7% female). There were 6 studies (18.8%) studies that reported on comorbidities and smoking, with mechanism of injury reported in 22 (68.8%). No studies reported on all operative criteria included, with only three studies (9.4%) reporting for time to antibiotics, 14 studies (43.8%) for time from injury to debridement and nine studies (28.1%) for time to definitive fixation. All studies reported on the rate of deep infection, with a high proportion documenting union rate (26/32, 81.3%). However, only two studies reported on mortality or on other post-operative complications (2/32, 6.3%). Only 12 studies (37.5%) provided any patient reported outcomes. This study has demonstrated a deficiency and a lack of standardized variable and outcome reporting in the orthopaedic literature for Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB open tibial shaft fractures. We propose a future international collaborative Delphi process is needed to standardize

Infections in spine surgery are relatively common and devastating complications, a significant burden to the patient and the healthcare system. Usually, the treatment of SSIs consists of aggressive and prolonged antibiotic therapy, multiple debridements, and in chronic cases, hardware removal. Infections are correlated with worse subjective outcomes and even higher mortality. Depending on the type of spine surgery, the infection rate has been reported to be as higher as 20%. Recently silver-coated implants have been introduced in spine surgery to reduce the incidence of post-operative infections and to improve implant survivorship. The aim of the present study is to evaluate complications and outcomes in patients treated with silver-coated implants because of spine infection. All consecutive patients who had spine stabilization with a silver-coated implant from 2018 to 2021 were screened for inclusion in the study. Inclusion criteria were: (1) six months of minimum follow-up; (2) previous surgical site infection; hematogenous spondylodiscitis requiring surgical stabilization. Demographic and surgical information were obtained via chart review, all the device-related complications and the reoperation rate were also reported. A total of 57 patients were included in the present study. The mean age was 63.4 years, and there were 36 (63%) males and 21 (37%) females. Among the included cases, 57% were SSIs, 33% were spondylodiscitis, and 9% were hardware mobilization. Comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoke, and oncological history were significant risk factors. In addition, the organisms cultured were Staphylococcus species in most of the cases. At six months of follow-up, 40% of patients were considered free from infection, while 20% needed multiple surgeries. The present research showed satisfactory results of silver-coated implants for the treatment of spine infection

In chronically infected fracture non-unions, treatment requires extensive debridement to remove necrotic and infected bone, often resulting in large defects requiring elaborate and prolonged bone reconstruction. One approach includes the induced membrane technique (IMT), although the differences in outcome between infected and non-infectious aetiologies remain unclear. Here we present a new rabbit humerus model for IMT secondary to infection, and, furthermore, we compare bone healing in rabbits with a chronically infected non-union compared to non-infected equivalents. A 5 mm defect was created in the humerus and filled with a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spacer or left empty (n=6 per group). After 3 weeks, the PMMA spacer was replaced with a beta-tricalcium phosphate (chronOs, Synthes) scaffold, which was placed within the induced membrane and observed for a further 10 weeks. The same protocol was followed for the infected group, except that four week prior to treatment, the wound was inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (4×10. 6. CFU/animal) and the PMMA spacer was loaded with gentamicin, and systemic therapy was applied for 4 weeks prior to chronOs application. All the animals from the infected group were culture positive during the first revision surgery (mean 3×10. 5. CFU/animal, n= 12), while at the second revision, after antibiotic therapy, all the animals were culture negative. The differences in bone healing between the non-infected and infected groups were evaluated by radiography and histology. The initially infected animals showed impaired bone healing at euthanasia, and some remnants of bacteria in histology. The non-infected animals reached bone bridging in both empty and chronOs conditions. We developed a preclinical in vivo model to investigate how bacterial infection influence bone healing in large defects with the future aim to explore new treatment concepts of infected non-union

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication following joint replacement. Antiseptic solutions are often used for intraoperative wound irrigation particularly in cases of revision for PJI. Antiseptic irrigation is intended to eradicate residual bacteria which may be either free floating or in residual biofilm although there is no clear clinical efficacy for its use. Also, reviewing the scientific literature there is discordance in in vitro results where some studies questions antiseptic efficacy whilst others suggest that even at low concentration antiseptic agents are effective at eradicating bacterial biofilms. The aim of this in vitro study was to establish the efficacy of undiluted antiseptic agents at eradication of a typical PJI forming biofilm and determine the importance of an antiseptic neutralisation step in this assessment. Mature Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms grown on TiAl6V4 discs were submerged in chlorohexidine (CHL) gluconate 4%, povidone-iodine (PI) 10% or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control solution. The discs were then rinsed, the biofilm bacteria suspended in solution using sonication and vortexing, and the viable count (CFU/ml) of the bacterial suspensions determined. The rinse/suspension solution was either (a) PBS or (b) Dey-Engley neutralization broth (NB). When PBS was used to rinse/suspend the biofilm a highly significant, 7.5 and 4.1, mean log reduction in biofilm vitality was observed from the control, for CHL 4% and PI 10%, respectively. However, when NB was the rinse/suspension solution the apparent antiseptic biofilm eradication efficacy was replaced with a statistically significant but clinically irrelevant less the one log-reduction in biofilm vitality. Clinical antiseptic agents are ineffective at eradicating S. epidermidis biofilm in an in vitro PJI model and absence of a neutralisation step gives the false impression of efficacy. Antiseptics alone are an ineffective treatment for biofilm related PJI and no substitute for meticulous debridement

Introduction. The non-union of long bones poses a substantial challenge to clinicians and patients alike. The Ilizarov fixation system and Limb Reconstruction System (LRS), renowned for their versatility in managing complex non-unions. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the outcomes of acute docking with the bone peg-in-bone technique for the management of non-unions of long bones. The study seeks to evaluate its effectiveness in achieving complete bony union, preserving limb length and alignment, correcting existing deformities, and preventing the onset of new ones. Method. A retrospective analysis of 42 patients was done with infected and non-infected non-unions of long bones who received treatment at a tertiary care hospital between April 2016 to April 2022. We utilized the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of the Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system to assess both bone and functional outcomes and measured mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) for the femur and the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) for the tibia. Result. In our retrospective study involving 42 patients, a total of 30 patients had post debridement gap of >2 cm and average gap of 4.54 cm (range 1 – 13 cm) and therefore underwent corticotomy and lengthening. The average external fixation time was 6.52 (range 4 – 11 months) and average external fixation index of 2.08 (range 0.4 – 4.5 months/cm). The ASAMI scoring system showed bone result of 38 excellent, 3 good and 1 fair. Functional result of 40 excellent and 2 good outcomes. The post op mLDFA and MPTA were in normal range except in 3 patients which not statistically significant. Conclusion. In conclusion, the use of acute docking provides several advantages such as promoting early fracture healing, increasing stability, shortening treatment time, reducing the number of surgical procedures and reduced number of complications

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

Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory condition accompanied by the destruction of bone and caused by an infecting microorganism. Open contaminated fractures can lead to the development of osteomyelitis of the fractured bone in 3-25% of cases, depending on fracture type, degree of soft-tissue injury, degree of microbial contamination, and whether systemic and/or local antimicrobial therapies have been administered. Untreated, infection will ultimately lead to non-union, chronic osteomyelitis, or amputation. We report a case series of 10 patients that presented with post-operative infected non-union of the distal femur with or without prior surgery. The cases were performed at Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India. All the patients’ consents were taken for the study which was carried out in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. The methodology involved patients undergoing a two-stage procedure in case of no prior implant or a three-stage procedure in case of a previous implant. Firstly, debridement and implant removal were done. The second was a definitive procedure in form of knee arthrodesis with ring fixator and finally followed by limb lengthening surgery. Arthrodesis was planned in view of infection, non-union, severe arthritic, subluxated knee, stiff knee, non-salvage knee joint, and financial constraints. After all the patients demonstrated wound healing in 3 months along with good radiographic osteogenesis at the knee arthrodesis site, limb lengthening surgeries by tibial osteotomy were done to overcome the limb length discrepancy. Distraction was started and followed up for 5 months. All 10 patients showed results with sound knee arthrodesis and good osteogenesis at the osteotomy site followed by achieving the limb length just 1-inch short from the normal side to achieve ground clearance while walking. Our case series is unique and distinctive as it shows that when patients with infected nonunion of distal femur come with the stiff and non-salvage knee with severe arthritic changes and financial constraints, we should consider knee arthrodesis with Ilizarov ring fixator followed by limb lengthening surgery

Standard fixation for intra-articular distal humerus fracture is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). However, high energy fractures of the distal humerus are often accompanied with soft tissue injuries and or vascular injuries which limits the use of internal fixation. In our report, we describe a highly complex distal humerus fracture that showed promising healing via a ring external fixator. A 26-year-old man sustained a Gustillo Anderson Grade IIIB intra-articular distal humerus fracture of the non-dominant limb with bone loss at the lateral column. The injury was managed with aggressive wound debridement and cross elbow stabilization via a hinged ring external fixator. Post operative wound managed with foam dressing. Post-operatively, early controlled mobilization of elbow commenced. Fracture union achieved by 9 weeks and frame removed once fracture united. No surgical site infection or non-union observed throughout follow up. At 2 years follow up, flexion - extension of elbow is 20°- 100°, forearm supination 65°, forearm pronation 60° with no significant valgus or varus deformity. The extent of normal anatomic restoration in elbow fracture fixation determines the quality of elbow function with most common complication being elbow stiffness. Ring fixator is a non-invasive external device which provides firm stabilization of fracture while allowing for adequate soft tissue management. It provides continuous axial micro-movements in the frame which promotes callus formation while avoiding translation or angulation between the fragments. In appropriate frame design, they allow for early rehabilitation of joint where normal range of motion can be allowed in controlled manner immediately post-fixation. Functional outcome of elbow fracture from ring external fixation is comparable to ORIF due to better rehabilitation and lower complications. Ring external fixator in our patient achieved acceptable functional outcome and fracture alignment meanwhile the fracture was not complicated with common complications seen in ORIF. In conclusion, ring external fixator is as effective as ORIF in treating complex distal humeral fractures and should be considered for definitive fixation in such fractures

The need for an artificial scaffold in very large bone defects is clear, not only to limit the risk of graft harvesting, but also to improve clinical success. The use of custom osteoconductive scaffolds made from biodegradable polyester and ceramics can be a valuable patient friendly option, especially in case of a concomitant infection. Multiple types of scaffolds for the Masquelet procedure (MP) are available, however these frequently demonstrate central graft involution when defects exceed a certain size and the complication rates remains high. This paper describes three infected tibial defect nonunions with a segmental defect over ten centimeters long treated with a customized 3D printed polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate (PCL-TCP) cage in combination with biological adjuncts. Three male patients, between the age of 37 and 47, were treated for an infected tibial defect nonunion after sustaining Gustilo grade 3 open fractures. All had a segmental midshaft bone defect of more than ten centimeters (range 11–15cm). First stage MPs consisted of extensive debridement, external fixation and placement of anterior lateral thigh flaps (ALT). Positive cultures were obtained from all patients during this first stage, that were treated with specific systemic antibiotics during 12 weeks. The second stage MP was carried out at least two months after the first stage. CT scans were obtained after the first stage to manufacture defect-specific cages. In the final procedure a custom 3D printed PCL-TCP cage (Osteopore, Singapore) was placed in the defect in combination with biological adjuncts (BMAC, RIA derived autograft, iFactor and BioActive Glass). Bridging of the defect, assessed at six months by CT, was achieved in all cases. SPECT-scans 6 months post-operatively demonstrated active bone regeneration, also involving the central part of the scaffold. All three patients regained function and reported less pain with full weight-bearing. This case report shows that 3D printed PCL-TCP cages in combination with biological adjuncts is a novel addition to the surgical treatment of very large bone defects in (infected) posttraumatic nonunion of the tibia. This combination could overcome some of the current drawbacks in this challenging indication