Infection after intramedullary nailing of the tibia. Incidence and protocol for management

Is there a role for suppression of infection in managing fracture-related infection following intra-medullary nailing?

BACKGROUND

The management of fracture-related infection has undergone radical progress following the development of international guidelines. However, there is limited consideration to the realities of healthcare in low-resource environments due to a lack of available evidence in the literature from these settings. Initial antimicrobial suppression to support fracture union is frequently used in low- and middle-income countries despite the lack of published clinical evidence to support its practice. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following initial antimicrobial suppression to support fracture union in the management of fracture-related infection.

METHODS

A retrospective review of consecutive patients treated with initial antimicrobial suppression to support fracture healing followed by definitive eradication surgery to manage fracture-related infections following intramedullary fixation was performed. Indications for this approach were; a soft tissue envelope not requiring reconstructive surgery, radiographic evidence of stable fixation with adequate alignment, and progression towards fracture union.

RESULTS

This approach was associated with successful treatment in 51/55 (93 %) patients. Fracture union was achieved in 52/55 (95 %) patients with antimicrobial suppression alone. Remission of infection was achieved in 54/55 (98 %) patients following definitive infection eradication surgery. Following antibiotic suppression, 6/46 (13 %) pathogens isolated from intra-operative samples demonstrated multi-drug resistance.

CONCLUSION

Initial antimicrobial suppression to support fracture healing followed by definitive infection eradication surgery was associated with successful treatment in 93 % of patients. The likelihood of remission of infection increases when eradication surgery is performed in a healed bone. This approach was not associated with an increased risk of developing multi-drug-resistant infections compared to contemporary bone infection cohorts in the published literature.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Intramedullary application of local antibiotic bullets for the treatment of long bone fracture related infection

PURPOSE

The optimal means of local antibiotic delivery for fracture related infection is unknown. Until now, intramedullary application of calcium sulphate based local antibiotics has been challenging. We report on the use of a newly available mode of preparation and delivery: the Stimulan Bullet Mat and Introducer (Biocomposites Ltd, Staffordshire, England).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for infection cases at two separate tertiary referral institutions was performed. We included cases of long bone FRI with a retained intramedullary nail, treated with a single stage protocol of metalwork removal, debridement, local antibiotic application using the novel mould and applicator, with additional bony stabilisation and soft tissue reconstruction where required.

RESULTS

All 13 patients achieved infection remission rate with an average follow-up of 19.7 months (range 12-28). All 6 patients with infection around an unhealed fracture achieved union at an average 8 months (range 4-12) from debridement. No patients developed aseptic wound leak.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic impregnated calcium sulphate can be used safely as part of a single stage treatment protocol for the treatment of long bone fracture related infection following intramedullary nailing. We have demonstrated high rates of infection remission and union, using a newly available intramedullary applicator.

Outcomes after primary intramedullary nail fixation of open tibial and femoral fractures in low resource settings

INTRODUCTION

Open fractures are unique in the urgency they impart to the injury and the therapeutic challenge they pose. Non-union and infection are among the major concerns. Open tibial and femoral shaft fractures are among the commonest orthopaedic urgencies. Primary intramedullary (IM) nailing requires a skillset and knowledge of the principles of open fracture management and also a well-equipped operating room with the necessary implants and instruments. In a low resource setting, one or more of these prerequisites may not be met, and the outcome may thus be affected similarly. The objective of this study was to study these outcomes.

METHODS

We prospectively studied primary IM nailing of open 1, 2 and 3A tibial and femoral fractures done in our hospital, in a simple non-modular operating room without an image intensifier.

RESULTS

There were 106 fractures in 104 patients: 93 tibial and 13 femoral. The mean time from injury to surgical debridement was 19.6 h. Mean duration of antibiotics therapy was 4.3 days, and the mean duration of hospital stay was 4.1 days. All patients were followed up to union. Mean time to radiographic union was 6.1 months for the tibia and 5.7 months for the femur. Non-union was seen in 4 tibial and 1 femoral fractures. There were 3 superficial infections but no deep infection.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes were comparable to, and in some cases better than, those found in existing literature. We conclude that primary IM nailing in open long bone fractures can be performed in austere environments with good success, in expert hands if the principles are adhered to.

The influence of biomechanical stability on bone healing and fracture-related infection: the legacy of Stephan Perren

Bone healing is a complicated process of tissue regeneration that is influenced by multiple biological and biomechanical processes. In a minority of cases, these physiological processes are complicated by issues such as nonunion and/or fracture-related infection (FRI). Based on a select few in vivo experimental animal studies, construct stability is considered an important factor influencing both prevention and treatment of FRI. Stephan Perren played a pivotal role in the evolution of our current understanding of the critical relationship between biomechanics, fracture healing and infection. Furthermore, his concept of strain theory and the process of fracture healing is familiar to several generations of surgeons and has influenced implant development and design for the past 50 years. In this review we describe the role of biomechanical stability on fracture healing, and provide a detailed analysis of the preclinical studies addressing this in the context of FRI. Furthermore, we demonstrate how Perren's concepts of stability are still applied to current surgical techniques to aid in the prevention and treatment of FRI. Finally, we highlight the key knowledge gaps in the underlying basic research literature that need to be addressed as we continue to optimize patient care.

Intramedullary reaming and irrigation and antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate implantation for the treatment of infection after intramedullary nailing: a retrospective study of 19 cases

Background

The incidence of intramedullary infection is increasing with increased use of intramedullary fixation for long bone fractures. However, appropriate treatment for infection after intramedullary nailing is unclear. The purpose of this study was to report the results of our treatment protocol for infection after intramedullary nailing: intramedullary nail removal, local debridement, reaming and irrigation, and antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate implantation with or without segmental bone resection and distraction osteogenesis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with an infection after intramedullary nailing treated from 2014 to 2017 at our center. Patients with follow-up of less than 24 months, received other treatment methods, or those with serious medical conditions were excluded from the analysis. Patients met the criteria were treated as described above, followed by distraction osteogenesis in 9 cases to repair bone defect. The infection remission rate, infection recurrence rate, and post-operative complication rates were assessed.

Results

A total of 19 patients were included in the analysis. All of patients had satisfactory outcomes with an average follow-up of 38.1 ± 9.4 months (range, 24 to 55 months). Eighteen patients (94.7%) achieved infection remission; 1 patient (5.3%) developed a reinfection that resolved after repeat debridement. Nine patients with bone defects (average size 4.7 ± 1.3 cm; range, 3.3 to 7.6 cm) were treated with bone transport which successfully restored the length of involved limb. The mean bone transport duration was 10.7 ± 4.0 months (range, 6.7 to 19.5 months). The majority of patients achieved full weight bearing and became pain free during the follow-up period. Postoperative complications mainly included prolonged aseptic drainage (7/19; 36.8%), re-fracture (1/19; 5.3%) and joint stiffness, which were successfully managed by regular dressing changes and re-fixation, respectively.

Conclusion

Intramedullary nail removal, canal reaming and irrigation, and antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate implantation (with or without distraction osteogenesis) is effective for treating infections after intramedullary nailing.

Intramedullary nailing via suprapatellar approach versus locked plating of proximal extra-articular tibial fractures: a randomized control trial

OBJECTIVE

Currently, nailing through the suprapatellar approach and minimally invasive plating have been generally accepted in the management of displaced proximal tibial fractures. This investigation was aimed at comparing these two treatment methods in terms of their effectiveness and safety.

METHODS

We randomized 328 patients into one of two groups: one underwent intramedullary nailing via the suprapatellar approach (IMN group), while the other underwent locking compressive plate (LCP group) placement. The primary outcome was the Iowa Knee Score at 12 months. The clinical history, amount of intra-operative blood loss, rate of fracture healing, and post-operative complications were assessed as secondary outcomes. Participants were assessed at one, two, three, six and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Follow-up data for a year were available for 152 and 154 patients in the IMN group and LCP group, respectively. No intergroup difference was detected with regard to the Iowa Knee Scores (91 ± 8.2 in the IMN group and 90 ± 7.3 in the LCP group, respectively (p = 0.26)), at 12 months. Duration of operation (83.5 ± 35.3 min), amount of blood loss (55 ± 43 mL), duration of fluoroscopy (53.7 ± 3.9 s), and cases with difficult reduction (n = 46) in the IMN group did not differ significantly from those in the LCP group (80.1 ± 43.6 min; 65 ± 56 mL; 48 ± 12 s; 32) (p < 0.05). The two groups had similar post-operative complications and rate of fracture union, with the pre-injury activity level being restored in most patients. Removal of the implants was performed in 31.6% and 63.0% of the cases in the IMN and LCP groups, respectively, indicating a significant intergroup difference.

CONCLUSION

Both IMN through the suprapatellar approach and minimally invasive LCP were found to yield no significant intergroup difference of clinical outcomes in the treatment of proximal, extra-articular tibial fractures. However, the requirement of implant removal was more relevant to LCP.

Outcomes of Vacuum Sealing Drainage Treatment Combined with Skin Flap Transplantation and Antibiotic Bone Cement on Chronic Tibia Osteomyelitis: A Case Series Study

BACKGROUND Chronic osteomyelitis is one of the currently refractory diseases. The aim of this study is to discuss the method and curative effects of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) treatment combined with skin flap transplantation and antibiotic bone cement for chronic tibia osteomyelitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS For this study, 18 cases of open fracture secondary chronic tibia osteomyelitis were selected. After the granulation tissue of the wound surface became fresh and infection was controlled, the wound surface was repaired with a medial head of gastrocnemius transfer flap or a myofascial and cutaneous island pedicle flap with a collateral vessel nourished by the retrograde sural nerve. VSD combined with focus debridement and antibiotic bone cement filling was conducted. After inflammation was completely regulated, elective bone cement extraction, bone grafting, and internal fixation were performed. Within 2 to 3 years of follow-up post-surgery, the satisfaction and recurrence rates were evaluated. The patients' pre-operative and post-operative recovery of limb functions were compared according to the Enneking scoring system. RESULTS The patients did not suffer from osteomyelitis recurrence, with the exception of 1 case that manifested osteomyelitis recurrence and recovered through surgical treatment within the period of follow-up. The satisfaction and recurrence rates of these study cases post-surgery were 94.4% and 5.6%, respectively. The average functional recovery post-surgery was 81.5% of normal function. CONCLUSIONS Vacuum sealing drainage combined with skin flap transplantation and antibiotic bone cement is an effective treatment for chronic tibia osteomyelitis.

Prevention of the Infected Fracture: Evidence-Based Strategies for Success!

There is a significant burden of disease associated with infected fractures, and their management is challenging. Prevention of infection after musculoskeletal trauma is essential because treatment of an established infection continues to be a major obstacle. Despite the need for evidence-based decision making, there is a lack of consensus around strategies for prevention and surgical management of the infected fracture. The current evidence for the prevention of the infected fracture is reviewed here with a focus on evidence for antibiotic therapy and debridement, the induced membrane technique, management of soft-tissue defects, patient optimization, and adjuncts to prevent infection.

Use of intramedullary nailing in poor sanitary conditions: French Military Medical Service experience

INTRODUCTION

Intramedullary (IM) nailing is the gold standard for treating long bone fractures in developed countries because of its minimally-invasive application and good biomechanical properties. In precarious conditions, external fixation or open plate fixation are often performed because surgeons do not have the means to carry out IM nailing. However, these procedures can lead to infection-related complications and mechanical failures. The aim of our study was to describe the outcomes and postoperative complications of IM nailing of closed, long bone fractures in patients operated in a French front-line combat surgical unit (role 2+). Our hypothesis was that IM nailing is a reliable technique with low morbidity for the initial treatment of long bone fractures, even in precarious situations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a prospective, single-center, descriptive study of patients operated on between April 2016 and November 2017. All the patients with a closed femur or tibia fracture who were treated by IM nailing were eligible, no matter their time to surgery. The minimum follow-up was 6 months. The primary endpoint was the absence of infection-related complications and the secondary endpoint was fracture union.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were reviewed after an average follow-up of 4.7 months (range, 3-15 months). The mean patient age was 35.2 years (15-85 years) and the majority of patients were men (52 of 58). The fracture was in the femur in 74.1% (n=43) of cases and in the tibia in 25.9% (n=15) of cases. The time to surgery averaged 122.3 days (7-720 days) with a median of 60 days. In 74% of cases (n=43), fracture realignment required an open surgical approach. The postoperative course was considered normal in 96.6% of cases (n=51). No infections were reported as of the last follow-up visit. Union occurred in an average of 4 months in 70.7% of cases (n=41). There were three cases of nonunion after 6 months.

DISCUSSION

Even in precarious situations, IM nailing is an effective, reliable method with a low complication risk and high union rate for the treatment of neglected long bone fractures. This surgical treatment is well suited to the poor sanitary conditions on the African continent.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, low-powered prospective study.

Clinical Outcomes and Complications of the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) Intramedullary Nail: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical outcomes and pooled complication rate of femoral, tibial, and humeral fracture fixation using SIGN nails. We aimed at comparing the pooled rate of adverse events based on the country of study origin, acute versus delayed fracture fixation, and length of follow-up.

METHODS

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE/Cochrane databases from 2000 to 2016 for English language studies. There was substantial heterogeneity among included studies. Therefore, we used subgroup analysis of varying adverse events and removal of potential outlier studies based on the "remove one" sensitivity analysis to address the heterogeneity across studies. A funnel plot was drawn and inspected visually to assess publication bias. We reported pooled complication rates for each adverse event with 95% prediction interval.

RESULTS

There were 14 studies with 47,169 cases across 58 different low- and middle-income countries. The average age was 33 ± 14 years, with 83% men and 17% women. Sixty percent of SIGN nails used in these 14 studies were used in femur fracture fixation, 38% in tibial shaft fractures, and the remaining 2% for humeral shaft fractures. Approximately 23% of patients had follow-up data recorded. All studies that measured clinical outcome indicated that >90% achieved full weight-bearing status, favorable range of motion (knee range of motion >90 degrees according to the SIGN database), and radiographic or clinical union depending on the specific variable(s) measured in each study. The overall complication rate was 5.2% (4.4%-6.4%). Malalignment (>5 degrees of angulation in any plane) was the most common complication (7.6%), followed by delayed/nonunion (6.9%), infection (5.9%), and hardware failure, (3.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the use of SIGN nails in fixing femoral, tibial, and humeral shaft fractures demonstrates good results with a high rate of return to full weight-bearing and radiographic/clinical union. The most common complications when using the SIGN nail are malalignment, delayed/nonunion, infection, and hardware failure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Risk Factors for Kidney Dysfunction With the Use of Gentamicin in Open Fracture Antibiotic Treatment

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate all patients who received gentamicin for open fracture treatment and determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, kidney injury in this population.

DESIGN

Retrospective, case control.

SETTING

Single institution; Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective chart review identified patients who received gentamicin for open fracture antibiotic treatment from January 2008 to December 2012. Overall, 371 patients met the inclusion criteria and were categorized into 2 groups using risk, injury, failure, loss of kidney function, and end-stage kidney disease criteria: normal kidney function (74.9%) versus abnormal kidney function (25.1%).

INTERVENTION

Use of gentamicin in open fracture antibiotic treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Kidney function; injury and treatment characteristics (eg, mechanism of injury; Gustilo-Anderson classification; number of surgical debridements, timing of definitive wound coverage, and type of wound coverage); and patient information (eg, age, height, weight, and body mass index, tobacco use, diabetes mellitus, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis, and current chemotherapy treatment).

RESULTS

Those with abnormal kidney function had lower baseline creatinine (P < 0.001) and higher injury severity scores (16.5 vs. 11.8, P < 0.001) and were more likely to require intensive care unit admission (P < 0.001) than the normal group. Female sex (P = 0.015), and higher weight (P = 0.004), ICU admission (P < 0.001), and use of CT contrasted imaging (P < 0.001) were independently associated with abnormal kidney function. Abnormal kidney function incidence also sharply increased with age.

CONCLUSIONS

Females and heavier individuals are at-risk of kidney injury while receiving gentamicin. ICU admission and concurent CT contrasted imaging are strongly associated with kidney injury in patients receiving gentamicin for open fracture treatment, and gentamicin should be avoided in those >60 years of age.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Complications in patients with intramedullary nails: a case series from a single Cambodian surgical clinic

PURPOSE

Since its development in 1999, the SIGN nail has been used in over 190,000 surgeries spanning 55 countries. To date, however, evaluation of SIGN nail outcomes has been limited to small prospective studies or large retrospective studies using SIGN's online database. This study uses the experience of a single, independent Cambodian surgical clinic to characterize common complications, provide commentary on ways to reduce the risk of those complications, and determine whether several observed nail fractures were due to metallurgic defects.

METHODS

Clinic medical records were queried to identify complications in patients with SIGN nails. Data was abstracted including age, sex, mechanism of injury, and latency between injury, primary implantation, and presentation with a complication. Two nails that fractured in vivo were analyzed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and polarized light microscopy after chemical etching.

RESULTS

Fifty-four complications in 51 patients were identified. The most common complications were non-union (n = 26, 48%), infection (n = 16, 30%), flexion limitation (n = 11, 20%), nail fracture (n = 4, 7%), delayed union (n = 4, 7%), and malunion (n = 4, 7%). Other complications included broken or floating screws. Fractography revealed that two of the fractured nails most likely failed by fatigue followed by fast fracture at the site of non-union. We found no evidence of intrinsic nail defects. We identified multiple inconsistencies between SIGN's database and independent clinic records.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-union and infection were common relative to all complications. Based on radiographic review, risk for non-union and malunion can be minimized by selecting an appropriate nail diameter, using multiple interlocking screws, and employing the correct implant and approach for fracture morphology when using SIGN nails. Nail fractures were unlikely to be caused by metallurgical flaws. Further study is necessary to determine the appropriate management of non-unions based on radiographic and clinical factors.

Treatment of infection following intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures-results of the ORS/ISFR expert group survey

OBJECTIVE

The lack of universally accepted treatment principles and protocols to manage infected intramedullary (IM) nails following tibial fractures continues to challenge us, eliciting a demand for clear guidelines. Our response to this problem was to create an ORS/ISFR taskforce to identify potential solutions and trends based on published evidence and practices globally.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire of reported treatment methods was created based on a published meta-analysis on the topic. Treatment methods were divided in two groups: A (retained nail) and B (nail removed). Experts scored the questionnaire items on a scale of 1-4 twice, before and after revealing the success rates for each stage of infection. Inter- and intra-observer variability analysis among experts' personal scores and between experts' scores was performed. An agreement mean and correlation degree between experts' scores was calculated. Finally, a success rate report between groups was performed.

RESULTS

Experts underestimated success rate of an individual treatment method compared to published data. The mean difference between experts' scores and published results was + 26.3 ± 46 percentage points. Inter-observer agreement mean was poor (< 0.2) for both rounds. Intra-observer agreement mean across different treatment methods showed a wide variability (18.3 to 64.8%). Experts agree more with published results for nail removal on stage 2 and 3 infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Experts' and published data strongly agree to retain the implant for stage 1 infections. A more aggressive approach (nail removal) favoured for infection stages 2 and 3. However, literature supports both treatment strategies.

EVIDENCE

Clinical Question.

[Intramedullary nailing in bifocal leg fractures: about 16 cases]

We conducted a retrospective study of bifocal closed fractures of the tibia in order to assess the severity of this unusual lesion. We analyzed the entry point for intramedullary nailing as well as the different therapeutic options. Sixteen patients with AO type 42C2 bifocal leg fractures were treated in our Traumatology-Orthopedics Unit A at the University Hospital Hassan II, Fez. The subjects were young, victims of medium to high energy trauma. Five subjects were polytraumatized patients and two were poly-traumatized patients with fractures. Six patients underwent locked intramedullary nailing with reaming while seven patients underwent intramedullary nailing without reaming. Two cases of compartment syndrome were recorded after nailing. Mean fracture consolidation time was twelve months. Two cases of pseudarthroses were successfully treated by nailing with reaming. Bifocal leg fractures pose many challenges for the surgeon due to weak vascular supply of the intermediate segment and to severe deterioration of the surrounding soft tissues. They should be detected among the leg fractures based on their context of occurrence, difficulties in fixation as well as slow consolidation time.

Current treatment of infected non-union after intramedullary nailing

Non-union is a devastating consequence of a fracture. Non-unions cause substantial patient morbidity with patients suffering from loss of function of the affected extremity, increased pain, and a substantial decrease in the quality of life. The management is often associated with repeated, unsuccessful operations resulting in prolonged hospital stays, which has social and economic consequences to both the patient and the healthcare system. The rates of non-union following intramedullary (IM) nailing vary according to anatomical location. There is currently no consensus regarding the treatment of infected non-unions following IM nailing, but the most common procedures reported are; exchange IM nail with antibiotic suppression or excision of the non-union, (stabilisation with external fixation or less commonly plate or IM nail) and then reconstruction of the bone defect with distraction osteogenesis or the Masquelet technique. This article explores the general principles of treatment, fixation modalities and proposes a treatment strategy for the management of infected non-unions following intramedullary nailing.

Osteomyelitis: Recent advances in pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies

This review article summarizes the recent advances in pathogenic mechanisms and novel therapeutic strategies for osteomyelitis, covering both periprosthetic joint infections and fracture-associated bone infections. A better understanding of the pathophysiology including the mechanisms for biofilm formation has led to new therapeutic strategies for this devastating disease. Research on novel local delivery materials with appropriate mechanical properties, lower exothermicity, controlled release of antibiotics, and absorbable scaffolding for bone regeneration is progressing rapidly. Emerging strategies for prevention, early diagnosis of low-grade infections, and innovative treatments of osteomyelitis such as biofilm disruptors and immunotherapy are highlighted in this review.

Infection after fracture osteosynthesis - Part II

In the first part of this article, we have discussed the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and classification of infection after fracture osteosynthesis with implants, termed here as osteosynthesis-associated infection (OAI). Prolonged antibiotic treatment is usually necessary. Implant retention and maintenance of fracture stability to allow for fracture healing in spite of infection are allowed for OAI. Depending on the severity of infection, status of fracture healing and host status, the treatment follows five common pathways. These are non-operative treatment, debridement with implant retention, conversion of fixation, implant removal and suppression therapy. The decision-making process leading to each treatment pathway and challenging scenarios is discussed in detail.

Cytocompatibility with osteogenic cells and enhanced in vivo anti-infection potential of quaternized chitosan-loaded titania nanotubes

Infection is one of the major causes of failure of orthopedic implants. Our previous study demonstrated that nanotube modification of the implant surface, together with nanotubes loaded with quaternized chitosan (hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan, HACC), could effectively inhibit bacterial adherence and biofilm formation in vitro. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further investigate the in vitro cytocompatibility with osteogenic cells and the in vivo anti-infection activity of titanium implants with HACC-loaded nanotubes (NT-H). The titanium implant (Ti), nanotubes without polymer loading (NT), and nanotubes loaded with chitosan (NT-C) were fabricated and served as controls. Firstly, we evaluated the cytocompatibility of these specimens with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. The observation of cell attachment, proliferation, spreading, and viability in vitro showed that NT-H has improved osteogenic activity compared with Ti and NT-C. A prophylaxis rat model with implantation in the femoral medullary cavity and inoculation with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was established and evaluated by radiographical, microbiological, and histopathological assessments. Our in vivo study demonstrated that NT-H coatings exhibited significant anti-infection capability compared with the Ti and NT-C groups. In conclusion, HACC-loaded nanotubes fabricated on a titanium substrate show good compatibility with osteogenic cells and enhanced anti-infection ability in vivo, providing a good foundation for clinical application to combat orthopedic implant-associated infections.

Exchange nailing for nonunion of diaphyseal fractures of the tibia

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the failure of exchange nailing in nonunion of tibial diaphyseal fractures.

Patients and Methods

A cohort of 102 tibial diaphyseal nonunions in 101 patients with a mean age of 36.9 years (15 to 74) were treated between January 1992 and December 2012 by exchange nailing. Of which 33 (32%) were initially open injuries. The median time from primary fixation to exchange nailing was 6.5 months (interquartile range (IQR) 4.3 to 9.8 months). The main outcome measures were union, number of secondary fixation procedures required to achieve union and time to union. Univariate analysis and multiple regression were used to identify risk factors for failure to achieve union.

Results

Multiple causes for the primary nonunion were found for 28 (27%) tibiae, with infection present in 32 (31%). Six patients were lost to follow-up. Further surgical procedures were required in 35 (36%) nonunions. Other fixation modalities were required in five fractures. A single nail exchange procedure achieved union in 60/96 (63%) of all nonunions. Only 11 out of 31 infected nonunions (35.4%) healed after one exchange nail procedure. Up to five repeated exchange nailings, with or without bone grafting, ultimately achieved union in 89 (93%) fractures. The median time to union after exchange nailing was 8.7 months (IQR 5.7 to 14.0 months). Univariate analysis confirmed that an oligotrophic/atrophic pattern of nonunion (p = 0.002), a bone gap of 5 mm or more (p = 0.04) and infection (p < 0.001), were predictive for failure of exchange nailing Multiple regression analysis found that infection was the strongest predictor of failure (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Exchange nailing is an effective treatment for aseptic tibial diaphyseal nonunion. However, in the presence of severe infection with a highly resistant organism, or extensive sclerosis of the bone, other fixation modalities, such as Ilizarov treatment, should be considered. Take home message: Exchange nailing is an effective treatment for aseptic tibial diaphyseal nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:534–41.

Intramedullary nailing versus external fixation in Gustilo type III open tibial shaft fractures: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Open tibial shaft fractures are the most common of long-bone open fractures. Management of the fracture is either by intramedullary nailing (IMN) or by external fixation (EF). Since the literature does not indicate clearly which is more effective, a meta-analysis was conducted to establish which approach is more suitable to treat Gustilo type III fractures. MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCT) describing IMN and EF treatment of Gustilo type III fractures. As of 15 November 2012, five RCT involving 239 patients had been published; the outcomes examined in this study are their surgical complications. Data analysis led complications to be grouped into infection, fracture healing problems (non-union, malunion) and “other complications” (vascular injury, revision surgery, soft tissue damage, mechanical failure and tibial malalignment). IMN was associated with lower rates of infection and fracture healing problems; the differences between the two approaches for “other complications” were not significant. The data indicate that IMN is the treatment of choice for Gustilo type III fractures.

Silver ion doped ceramic nano-powder coated nails prevent infection in open fractures: In vivo study

BACKGROUND

Despite improvement in operative techniques and antibiotic therapy, septic complications still occur in open fractures. We developed silver ion containing ceramic nano powder for implant coating to provide not only biocompatibility but also antibacterial activity to the orthopaedic implants.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We hypothesised silver ion doped calcium phosphate based ceramic nano-powder coated titanium nails may prevents bacterial colonisation and infection in open fractures as compared with uncoated nails.

METHODS

33 rabbits divided into three groups. In the first group uncoated, in the second group hydroxyapatite coated, and in the third group silver doped hydroxyapatite coated titanium nails were inserted left femurs of animals from knee regions with retrograde fashion. Before implantation of nails 50 μl solution containing 10(6)CFU/ml methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) injected intramedullary canal. Rabbits were monitored for 10 weeks. Blood was taken from rabbits before surgery and on 2nd, 6th and 10th weeks. Blood was analysed for biochemical parameters, blood count, C-reactive protein and silver levels. At the end of the 10 weeks animals were sacrificed and rods were extracted in a sterile fashion. Swab cultures were taken from intramedullary canal. Bacteria on titanium rods were counted. Liver, heart, spleen, kidney and central nervous tissues samples were taken for determining silver levels. Histopathological evaluation of bone surrounding implants was also performed.

RESULTS

No significant difference was detected between the groups from hematologic, biochemical, and toxicological aspect. Microbiological results showed that less bacterial growth was detected with the use of silver doped ceramic coated implants compared to the other two groups (p=0.003). Accumulation of silver was not detected. No cellular inflammation was observed around the silver coated prostheses. No toxic effect of silver on bone cells was seen.

CONCLUSION

Silver ion doped calcium phosphate based ceramic nano powder coating to orthopaedic implants may prevents bacterial colonisation and infection in open fractures compared with those for implants without any coating.

Can Normal Fracture Healing Be Achieved When the Implant Is Retained on the Basis of Infection? An Experimental Animal Model

BACKGROUND

Infection after open fractures is a common complication. Treatment options for infections developed after intramedullary nailing surgery remain a topic of controversy. We therefore used a rat fracture model to evaluate the effects of infection on osseous union when the implant was maintained.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

In a rat model, (1) does infection alter callus strength; (2) does infection alter the radiographic appearance of callus; and (3) does infection alter the histological properties of callus?

METHODS

An open femoral fracture was created and fixed with an intramedullary Kirschner wire in 72 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into two study groups. In the infection group, the fracture site was contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (36 animals), whereas in the control group, there was no bacterial contamination (36 animals). No antibiotics were used either for prophylaxis or for treatment. We performed biomechanical (maximum torque causing failure and stiffness), radiographic (Lane and Sandhu scoring for callus formation), and histologic (scoring for callus maturity) assessments at 3 and 6 weeks. The number of bacteria colonies on the femur, wire, and soft tissue inside knee were compared to validate that we successfully created an infection model. The number of bacteria colonies in the soft tissue inside the knee was higher in the infection group after 6 weeks than after the third week, demonstrating the presence of locally aggressive infection.

RESULTS

Infection decreased callus strength at 6 weeks. Torque to failure (299.07 ± 65.53 Nmm versus 107.20 ± 88.81, mean difference with 95% confidence interval, 192 [43-340]; p = 0.007) and stiffness at 6 weeks (11.28 ± 2.67 Nmm versus 2.03 ± 1.68, mean difference with 95% confidence interval, 9 [3-16]; p = 0.004) both were greater in the control group than in the group with infection. Radiographic analysis at 6 weeks demonstrated the fracture line was less distinct (Lane and Sandhu score of 2-3) in the infection group and complete union was observed (Lane and Sandhu score of 3-4) in the control group (p = 0.001). Semiquantitative histology scores were not different between the noninfected controls and the rats with infection (score 10 versus 9).

CONCLUSIONS

Retaining an implant in the presence of an underlying infection without antibiotic treatment leads to weaker callus and impedes callus maturation compared with noninfected controls in a rat model. Future studies might evaluate whether antibiotic treatment would modify this result.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This model sets the stage for further investigations that might study the influence of different interventions on fracture healing in implant-associated osteomyelitis. Future observational studies might also evaluate the histological properties of callus in patients with osteomyelitis.

Outcomes following combined intramedullary nail and plate fixation for complex tibia fractures: A multi-centre study

INTRODUCTION

Concomitant plate fixation as an adjunct to intramedullary nailing (IMN) of proximal third tibia fractures is a proven technique. Benefits include its role as a minimally invasive reduction aid, allowing for minimal soft tissue disruption. Expanding its indications as adjunct fixation to IMN throughout the tibia, we aimed to study outcomes in a multi-centre initiative.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From May 1999 to March 2010, a total of 1302 operatively treated tibial fractures (including plateau and pilon fractures) with complete medical records were identified for review. Of these, 376 cases were treated via IMN, of which 30 cases were treated via combined IMN and plating, meeting inclusion criteria. Primary outcome was union rates, time to union, and complication rates. Secondary outcomes included mean alignment from the immediate postoperative period to the time of final follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven out of 30 patients were available for follow-up. Twenty-five (93%) achieved bony union; the remaining two patients, sustained Type IIIA and B injuries respectively, went onto non-union secondary to deep infection and required multiple re-operations before achieving ultimate union. Mean time at final follow-up was 20 ± 10 months, 96% were ambulatory at full weight bearing status with no malunions. No significant changes in alignment in either the coronal or sagittal planes were noted at time of final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Combined IMN and plate fixation is a reliable tool not only in the treatment of fractures of the proximal tibia, but also for those fractures in the diaphysis and segmental fractures with proximal and/or distal metadiaphyseal extension with consistent ability to maintain high union rates and maintained alignment. However, longer-term follow-up and prospective trials will be necessary before coming to a definitive conclusion.

The treatment of intramedullary osteomyelitis of the femur and tibia using the Reamer–Irrigator–Aspirator system and antibiotic cement rods

Intramedullary infection in long bones represents a complex clinical challenge, with an increasing incidence due to the increasing use of intramedullary fixation. We report a prospective case series using an intramedullary reaming device, the Reamer–Irrigator–Aspirator (RIA) system, in association with antibiotic cement rods for the treatment of lower limb long bone infections. A total of 24 such patients, 16 men and eight women, with a mean age of 44.5 years (17 to 75), 14 with femoral and 10 with tibial infection, were treated in a staged manner over a period of 2.5 years in a single referral centre. Of these, 21 patients had had previous surgery, usually for fixation of a fracture (seven had sustained an open fracture originally and one had undergone fasciotomies). According to the Cierny–Mader classification system, 18 patients were classified as type 1A, four as 3A (discharging sinus tract), one as type 4A and one as type 1B. Staphylococcus species were isolated in 20 patients (83.3%). Local antibiotic delivery was used in the form of impregnated cement rods in 23 patients. These were removed at a mean of 2.6 months (1 to 5). Pathogen-specific antibiotics were administered systemically for a mean of six weeks (3 to 18). At a mean follow-up of 21 months (8 to 36), 23 patients (96%) had no evidence of recurrent infection. One underwent a planned trans-tibial amputation two weeks post-operatively due to peripheral vascular disease and chronic recalcitrant osteomyelitis of the tibia and foot. The combination of RIA reaming, the administration of systemic pathogen-specific antibiotics and local delivery using impregnated cement rods proved to be a safe and efficient form of treatment in these patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:783–8.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the additional benefit of local prophylactic antibiotic therapy for infection rates in open tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing

PURPOSE

This analysis compared the rate of deep wound infections in patients with open tibia fractures, treated with intramedullary nails, receiving additional locally-delivered antibiotics to those receiving standard care.

METHODS

Two systematic literature searches identified studies reporting infection rates in patients treated with intramedullary nails for tibia fractures receiving systemic antibiotics only (search one) and in patients receiving adjunctive locally-administered antibiotics peri-operatively at the tissue-implant interface (search two). After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 and seven papers from searches one and two, respectively, were included in meta-analyses.

RESULTS

The absolute rate of infection was lower for all Gustilo-Anderson grades of tibia fractures when local antibiotics were administered as adjunctive prophylactic therapy. For severe fractures, classified as GAIII fractures, patients receiving systemic antibiotics only had an infection rate of 14.4 % [95 % CI: 10.5 %, 18.5 %]; adding local antibiotics reduced the rate to 2.4 % [0.0 %, 9.4 %], with an odds ratio of 0.17. Risk of deep wound infections increased with severity of fracture, rising to over 31 % in GIIIB&C fractures for patients receiving systematic antibiotics only, but to below 9 % with additional local antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

The findings support consideration of augmenting the antibiotic prophylaxis regimen to include locally-delivered antibiotics. Patients with severe fractures will obtain greatest benefit from infections avoided. No trial directly compared the two treatments for open tibia fractures, limiting the ability to attribute the differences in observed infection rates directly to the treatments themselves. A large comparative study to improve the evidence on relative effect size is merited.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

A comparison of more and less aggressive bone debridement protocols for the treatment of open supracondylar femur fractures

OBJECTIVES

This study compared results of aggressive and nonaggressive debridement protocols for the treatment of high-energy, open supracondylar femur fractures after the primary procedure, with respect to the requirement for secondary bone grafting procedures, and deep infection.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Level I and level II trauma centers.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-nine consecutive patients with high-grade, open (Gustilo types II and III) supracondylar femur fractures (OTA/AO 33A and C) treated with debridement and locked plating.

INTERVENTION

Surgeons at 2 different level I trauma centers had different debridement protocols for open supracondylar femur fractures. One center used a more aggressive (MA) protocol in their patients (n = 17) that included removal of all devitalized bone and placement of antibiotic cement spacers to fill large segmental defects. The other center used a less aggressive (LA) protocol in their patients (n = 12) that included debridement of grossly contaminated bone with retention of other bone fragments and no use of antibiotic cement spacers. All other aspects of the treatment protocol at the 2 centers were similar: definitive fixation with locked plates in all cases, IV antibiotics were used until definitive wound closure, and weight bearing was advanced upon clinical and radiographic evidence of fracture healing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Healing after the primary procedure, requirement for secondary bone grafting procedures, and the presence of deep infection.

RESULTS

Demographics were similar between included patients at each center with regard to age, gender, rate of open fractures, open fracture classification, mechanism, and smoking (P > 0.05). Patients at the MA center were more often diabetic (P < 0.05). Cement spacers to fill segmental defects were used more often after MA debridement (35% vs. 0%, P < 0.006), and more patients had a plan for staged bone grafting after MA debridement (71% vs. 8%, P < 0.006). Healing after the index fixation procedure occurred more often after LA debridement (92% vs. 35%, P < 0.003). There was no difference in infection rate between the 2 protocols: 25% with the LA protocol and 18% with the MA protocol (P = 0.63). All patients in both groups eventually healed and were without evidence of infection at an average of 1.8 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The degree to which bone should be debrided after a high-energy, high-grade, open supracondylar femur fracture is a matter of surgeon judgment and falls along a continuous spectrum. Based on the results of the current study, the theoretic trade-off between infection risk and osseous healing potential seems to favor an LA approach toward bone debridement in the initial treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic level III.

Risk factors for infection after 46,113 intramedullary nail operations in low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

The fields of surgery and trauma care have largely been neglected in the global health discussion. As a result the idea that surgery is not safe or cost effective in resource-limited settings has gone unchallenged. The SIGN Online Surgical Database (SOSD) is now one of the largest databases on trauma surgery in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We wished to examine infection rates and risk factors for infection after IM nail operations in LMIC using this data.

METHODS

The SOSD contained 46,722 IM nail surgeries in 58 different LMIC; 46,113 IM nail operations were included for analysis.

RESULTS

The overall follow-up rate was 23.1 %. The overall infection rate was 1.0 %, 0.7 % for humerus, 0.8 % for femur, and 1.5 % for tibia fractures. If only nails with registered follow-up (n = 10,684) were included in analyses, infection rates were 2.9 % for humerus, 3.2 % for femur, and 6.9 % for tibia fractures. Prophylactic antibiotics reduced the risk of infection by 29 %. Operations for non-union had a doubled risk of infection. Risk of infection was reduced with increasing income level of the country.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall infection rates were low, and well within acceptable levels, suggesting that it is safe to do IM nailing in low-income countries. The fact that operations for non-union have twice the risk of infection compared to primary fracture surgery further supports the use of IM nailing as the primary treatment for femur fractures in LMIC.

Management of infection after intramedullary nailing of long bone fractures: treatment protocols and outcomes

Implant related sepsis is a relatively unusual complication of intra-medullary nail fixation of long bone fractures. Depending on the extent of infection, timing of diagnosis and progress of fracture union, different treatment strategies have been developed. The aim of this review article is to collect and analyze the existing evidence about the incidence and management of infection following IM nailing of long bone fractures and to recommend treatment algorithms that could be valuable in everyday clinical practice. After searching the P u b M e d /Medline databases, 1270 articles were found related to the topic during the last 20 years. The final review included 28 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

Only a few prospective studies exist to report on the management of infection following IM nailing of long-bone fractures. In general, stage I (early) infections only require antibiotic administration with/without debridement. Stage II (delayed) infections can be successfully treated with debridement, IM reaming, antibiotic nails, and administration of antibiotics. Infected non-unions are best treated with exchange nailing, antibiotic administration and when infection has been eradicated with graft implantation if it is needed. Debridement, exchange nailing and systemic administration of antibiotics is the best indication for stage III (late) infections, while stage III infected non-unions can successfully be treated with nail removal and Ilizarov frame, especially when large bone defects exist.

Problems, tricks, and pearls in intramedullary nailing of proximal third tibial fractures

Proximal third tibial shaft fractures have been notoriously difficult to treat. Early reports resulting in high rates of malunion and fixation failure trended surgeons to move away from intramedullary nailing as definitive treatment. However, with the advent of a deepened understanding of the surround anatomy, several techniques have been developed to help maintain proper alignment without early failure or malunion. This review provides a concise update on the tips, tricks, and pearls available in achieving a stable well-aligned construct when definitively treating proximal third tibial shaft fractures via intramedullary nail.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Fate of combat nerve injury

OBJECTIVE

Assess a cohort of combat-related type III open tibia fractures with peripheral nerve injury to determine the injury mechanism and likelihood for recovery or improvement in nerve function.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Three military medical centers.

PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

Out of a study cohort of 213 type III open tibia fractures, 32 fractures (in 32 patients) with a total of 43 peripheral nerve injuries (peroneal or tibial) distal to the popliteal fossa met inclusion criteria and were available for follow-up at an average of 20 months (range, 2-48 months).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Clinical assessment of motor and sensory nerve improvement.

RESULTS

There was a 22% incidence of peripheral nerve injury in the study cohort. At an average follow-up of 20 months (range, 2-48 months), 89% of injured motor nerves were functional, whereas the injured sensory nerves had function in 93%. Fifty percent and 27% of motor and sensory injuries demonstrated improvement, respectively (P = 0.043). With the numbers available, there was no difference in motor or sensory improvement based on mechanism of injury, fracture severity or location, soft tissue injury, or specific nerve injured. In the subset of patients with an initially impaired sensory examination, full improvement was related to fracture location (P = 0.0164).

CONCLUSIONS

Type III open tibia fractures sustained in combat are associated with a 22% incidence of peripheral nerve injury, and the majority are due to multiple projectile penetrating injury. Despite the severe nature of these injuries, the vast majority of patients had a functional nerve status by an average of 2-year follow-up. Based on these findings, discussions regarding limb salvage and amputation should not be overly influenced by the patient's peripheral nerve status.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Sonication of intramedullary nails: clinically-related infection and contamination

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Sonication is currently considered the best procedure for microbiological diagnosis of implant-related osteoarticular infection, but studies in nail-related infections are lacking. The study aim was to evaluate implant sonication after intramedullary nail explantation, and relate it to microbiological cultures and clinical outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A study was performed in two University Hospitals from the same city. Thirty-one patients with implanted nails were prospectively included, whether with clinical infection (8 cases) or without (23 cases). Retrieved nails underwent sonication according a previously published protocol. The clinical and microbiological outcome patient was related to the presence of microorganisms in the retrieved implant.

RESULTS

Positive results appeared in 15/31 patients (9 with polymicrobial infections) almost doubling those clinically infected cases. The most commonly isolated organisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis (19.2 %) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.4 %). A significant relationship was found between the presence of positive cultures and previous local superficial infection (p=0.019). The presence of usual pathogens was significantly related to clinical infection (p=0.005) or local superficial infection (p=0.032). All patients with positive cultures showed pain diminution or absence of pain after nail removal (15/15), but this only occurred in 8 (out of 16) patients with negative cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with previously diagnosed infection or local superficial infection, study of the hardware is mandatory. In cases where pain or patient discomfort is observed, nail sonication can help diagnose the implant colonization with potential pathogens that might require specific treatment to improve the final outcome.

Prevalence of complications of open tibial shaft fractures stratified as per the Gustilo-Anderson classification

The aim of the present study was to comparatively analyse certain outcome measures of open tibial fractures, stratified per grade of open injury and method of treatment. For this purpose, a systematic review of the English literature from 1990 until 2010 was undertaken, comprising 32 eligible articles reporting on 3060 open tibial fractures. Outcome measures included rates of union progress (early union, delayed union, late union and non-union rates) and certain complication rates (deep infection, compartment syndrome and amputation rates). Statistical heterogeneity across component studies was detected with the use of Cochran chi-square and I(2) tests. In the absence of significant statistical heterogeneity a pooled estimate of effect size for each outcome/complication of interest was produced. All component studies were assigned on average a moderate quality score. Reamed tibial nails (RTNs) were associated with significantly higher odds of early union compared with unreamed tibial nails (UTNs) in IIIB open fractures (odds ratio: 12, 95% CI: 2.4-61). Comparing RTN and UTN modes of treatment, no significant differences were documented per grade of open fractures with respect to both delayed and late union rates. Surprisingly, nonunion rates in IIIB open fractures treated with either RTNs or UTNs were lower than IIIA or II open fractures, although the differences were not statistically significant. Significantly increased deep infection rates of IIIB open fractures compared with all other grades were documented for both modes of treatment (RTN, UTN). However, lower deep infection rates for IIIA open fractures treated with RTNs were recorded compared with grades I and II. Interestingly, grade II open tibial fractures, treated with UTN, presented significantly greater odds for developing compartment syndrome than when treated with RTNs. Our cumulative analysis, providing for each grade of open injury and each particular method of treatment a summarised estimate of effect size for the most important outcome measures of open tibial fractures, constitutes a useful tool of the practicing surgeon for optimal decision making when operative treatment of such fractures is contemplated.

Management of bone infections in adults: the surgeon's and microbiologist's perspectives

Bone infection in adults is a potentially devastating complication following trauma or surgery. The clinician should diagnose osteomyelitis based on certain clinical manifestations and on laboratory and imaging findings. For pathogen identification, the treating surgeon should take appropriate tissue samples. Close collaboration with microbiologists is of paramount importance to dictate the appropriate duration and type of antibiotics to be administered. Treatment of acute osteomyelitis requires surgical debridement and prolonged course of antibiotics. Debate exists regarding the maintenance or the removal of any internal fixation device. Treatment of chronic osteomyelitis is more complicated. For its eradication the treatment course is often prolonged and frustrating. Based on the current literature an algorithm of treatment for both acute and chronic bone infections is recommended.

Low infection rates after 34,361 intramedullary nail operations in 55 low- and middle-income countries: validation of the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) online surgical database

BACKGROUND

The Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) supplies intramedullary (IM) nails for the treatment of long bone fractures free of charge to hospitals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most operations are reported to the SIGN Online Surgical Database (SOSD). Follow-up has been reported to be low, however. We wanted to examine the pattern of follow-up and to assess whether infection rates could be trusted.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The SOSD contained 36,454 IM nail surgeries in 55 LMICs. We excluded humerus and hip fractures, and fractures without a registered surgical approach. This left 34,361 IM nails for analysis. A generalized additive regression model (gam) was used to explore the association between follow-up rates and infection rates.

RESULTS

The overall follow-up rate in the SOSD was 18.1% (95% CI: 17.7-18.5) and national follow-up rates ranged from 0% to 74.2%. The overall infection rate was 0.7% (CI: 0.6-0.8) for femoral fractures and 1.2% (CI: 1.0-1.4) for tibial fractures. If only nails with a registered follow-up visit were included (n = 6,224), infection rates were 3.5% (CI: 3.0-4.1) for femoral fractures and 7.3% (CI: 6.2-8.4) for tibial fractures. We found an increase in infection rates with increasing follow-up rates up to a level of 5%. Follow-up above 5% did not result in increased infection rates.

INTERPRETATION

Reported infection rates after IM nailing in the SOSD appear to be reliable and could be used for further research. The low infection rates suggest that IM nailing is a safe procedure also in low- and middle-income countries.

Bone and joint infections in adults: a comprehensive classification proposal

Introduction and methods

Ten currently available classifications were tested for their ability to describe a continuous cohort of 300 adult patients affected by bone and joint infections. Each classification only focused, on the average, on 1.3 ± 0.4 features of a single clinical condition (osteomyelitis, implant-related infections, or septic arthritis), being able to classify 34.8 ± 24.7% of the patients, while a comprehensive classification system could describe all the patients considered in the study.

Result and conclusion

A comprehensive classification system permits more accurate classification of bone and joint infections in adults than any single classification available and may serve for didactic, scientific, and clinical purposes.

Prevention and treatment of infected foot and ankle wounds sustained in the combat environment

Combat injuries to the foot and ankle are challenging to treat due to frequent high-energy mechanisms, environmental contamination, and soft tissue and bony damage. Prevention and treatment of infections in injuries to the foot and ankle are critical to achieving the goals of tissue healing and restoration of function. The guidelines for treatment of these foot and ankle injuries are similar to those in place for civilians; however, allowances must be made for the realities of combat including an often austere environment, the need for evacuation, and limitations on resources available for treatment.

The effects of farnesol on Staphylococcus aureus biofilms and osteoblasts. An in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Bacterial biofilms play a major role in chronic orthopaedic infections. Recently, farnesol (an antifungal agent) has been shown to express antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. However, the effects of farnesol on the formation of bacterial biofilms on orthopaedic biomaterials and its effects on osteoblasts have not been investigated, to our knowledge, and are therefore the focus of this study.

METHODS

Biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus (Seattle 1945(GFPuvr)) were grown on titanium alloy discs. The effects of soluble farnesol on biofilm formation with or without gentamicin were examined with fluorescence microscopy and in quantitative cultures. The effect of farnesol coated on titanium alloy discs was also investigated, as was the effect of the agent on MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells cultured on titanium alloy discs.

RESULTS

Soluble farnesol at a 30-mM concentration reduced the number of viable bacteria 10(4)-fold and completely inhibited biofilm formation. Low concentrations of soluble farnesol (0.03 to 3 mM) did not inhibit biofilm formation and did not potentiate the effect of a submaximal concentration of gentamicin. Dried farnesol on titanium alloy discs reduced the number of viable bacteria fiftyfold. The effect of farnesol on bacterial biofilm formation lasted for at least three days. Soluble farnesol added after the biofilm had already formed also reduced the final number of viable bacteria, by fifty-six-fold. Soluble farnesol (3-mM and 30-mM concentrations) inhibited spreading of the MC3T3-E1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In vitro, a high concentration of farnesol (30 mM) shows antimicrobial properties against bacterial biofilms; however, it also has a negative effect on pre-osteoblasts. Farnesol can also express antimicrobial activity when predried on titanium discs and when added to preformed biofilms.

Negative pressure wound therapy after severe open fractures: a prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) after severe open fractures on deep infection.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized study.

SETTING

Academic level I trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-nine patients with 63 severe high-energy open fractures were enrolled in this study, with data available on 58 patients with 62 open fractures.

INTERVENTION

Twenty-three patients with 25 fractures randomized to the control group and underwent initial irrigation and debridement followed by standard fine mesh gauze dressing, with repeat irrigation and debridement every 48-72 hours until wound closure. Thirty-five patients randomized to the NPWT group and had identical treatment except that NPWT was applied to the wounds between irrigation and debridement procedures until closure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The presence or absence of deep wound infection or osteomyelitis, wound dehiscence, and fracture union were primary outcome measures.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Control patients developed 2 acute infections (8%) and 5 delayed infections (20%), for a total of 7 deep infections (28%), whereas NPWT patients developed 0 acute infections, 2 delayed infections (5.4%), for a total of 2 deep infections (5.4%). There is a significant difference between the groups for total infections (P = 0.024). The relative risk ratio is 0.199 (95% confidence interval: 0.045-0.874), suggesting that patients treated with NPWT were only one-fifth as likely to have an infection compared with patients randomized to the control group. NPWT represents a promising new therapy for severe open fractures after high-energy trauma.

Unreamed intramedullary nailing with oblique proximal and biplanar distal interlocking screws for proximal third tibial fractures

PURPOSE

To assess the outcome of unreamed intramedullary nailing through the lateralised entry point using oblique proximal and biplanar distal interlocking screws.

METHODS

15 men and 3 women aged 25 to 58 (mean, 37) years underwent unreamed intramedullary nailing with oblique proximal and biplanar distal interlocking screws for proximal third metaphyseal tibial fractures. The entry point was kept proximal to the tibial tuberosity and slightly lateral to midline. Proximal locking was at 45 degrees to the coronal and sagittal planes. Biplanar distal locking was in the coronal and sagittal planes.

RESULTS

16 patients had bone union within 20 (mean, 17; range, 14-27) weeks; 2 underwent dynamisation for delayed union. Three patients had valgus angulation of less than 5 degrees; 2 had a loss of terminal knee flexion; 3 had a loss of ankle dorsiflexion; and 3 had shortening of more than 0.5 cm. Functional outcomes were excellent in 13, good in 4, and fair in one patient. No patient endured neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome or implant failure.

CONCLUSION

Unreamed intramedullary nailing with oblique proximal and biplanar distal interlocking screws for proximal third tibial fractures was effective in preventing malalignment.

Treatment of long bone osteomyelitis with a mechanically stable intramedullar antibiotic dispenser: nineteen consecutive cases with a minimum of 12 months follow-up

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic cement beads are the most common system of local antibiotic delivery. Unfortunately, bead strings do not give mechanical support to the fracture site, stability being fundamental in osteomyelitis treatment. Local treatment associated with bone stability should improve the results in posttraumatic osteomyelitis. The objective of this article is to present our experience in the treatment of long bone osteomyelitis using an intramedullary, mechanically stable antibiotic dispenser.

METHOD

We present a retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients with a long bone osteomyelitis treated using an intramedullary, mechanically stable antibiotic dispenser. The dispenser used with a T-95 chest tube filled with poly(methyl methacrylate) + antibiotic (vancomycin, gentamycin, or both, tobramycin or imipenem; depending on culture results) and with a metal center (Ender nail).

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were men and three were women, with an average age of 37 years (range, 18-52 years). In four cases, treatment involved the femur and in 15 the tibia. Positive cultures were obtained from each patient. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 17 cases. The intramedullary dispenser was removed between 6 and 76 weeks after surgery. Success was defined as negative cultures after dispenser removal. Follow-up period was between 10 and 54 months. Negative cultures were obtained from intramedullary reaming after dispenser removal in all but one patient who could not finish treatment because of local intolerance to antibiotic treatment. None of the 17 patients presented an infection recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The combination of local antibiotic treatment with bone segment stability showed acceptable results in our short series of patients. Further investigation on locked intramedullary antibiotic dispensers providing improved stability will help us learn about this difficult clinical scenario.

Treatment of femoral and tibial diaphyseal nonunions using reamed intramedullary nailing without bone graft

INTRODUCTION

Intramedullary nailing has long been used successfully in the treatment of aseptic nonunions of the femur and tibia. However, recently the efficacy of reamed intramedullary nailing in the treatment of nonunions of the femur has been questioned by some publications reporting unfavourable results. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the treatment results of femoral and tibial diaphyseal nonunions with intramedullary nailing.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed thirty-two patients with femoral or tibial diaphyseal nonunions who were treated with reamed intramedullary nailing between May 2002 and April 2006. Fixation status at the time of treatment were nail in twenty-eight patients (12 femurs, 16 tibiae), plate in three cases (2 femurs, 1 tibia), no implant in one femur. We used a dynamically locked, reamed intramedullary nailing. Only in bone defects greater than 50% of the cortical diameter and more than 2 cm in length was open bone grafting performed.

RESULTS

Solid union was achieved in 93% (fourteen of fifteen) of femoral nonunions and 94% (sixteen of seventeen) of tibial nonunions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our protocol with a dynamically locked, reamed nailing with the use of an oval hole and no open bone grafting for a defect less than 50% of the diameter and immediate weight bearing was successful in the treatment of femoral and tibial diaphyseal nonunions.

Prevention and management of infections associated with combat-related extremity injuries

Orthopedic injuries suffered by casualties during combat constitute approximately 65% of the total percentage of injuries and are evenly distributed between upper and lower extremities. The high-energy explosive injuries, environmental contamination, varying evacuation procedures, and progressive levels of medical care make managing combat-related injuries challenging. The goals of orthopedic injury management are to prevent infection, promote fracture healing, and restore function. It appears that 2% to 15% of combat-related extremity injuries develop osteomyelitis, although lower extremity injuries are at higher risk of infections than upper extremity. Management strategies of combat-related injuries primarily focus on early surgical debridement and stabilization, antibiotic administration, and delayed primary closure. Herein, we provide evidence-based recommendations from military and civilian data to the management of combat-related injuries of the extremity. Areas of emphasis include the utility of bacterial cultures, antimicrobial therapy, irrigation fluids and techniques, timing of surgical care, fixation, antibiotic impregnated beads, wound closure, and wound coverage with negative pressure wound therapy. Most of the recommendations are not supported by randomized controlled trials or adequate cohorts studies in a military population and further efforts are needed to answer best treatment strategies.