Regional CBF in chronic stable TBI treated with hyperbaric oxygen

To investigate whether Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO2) could improve neurologic deficits and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in chronic traumatic brain injuries (TBI), the authors employed a nonrandomized control pilot trial. Five subjects, at least three years post head injury, received HBO2. Five head injured controls (HIC) were matched for age, sex, and type of injury. Five healthy subjects served as normal controls. Sixty-eight normal volunteers comprised a reference data bank against which to compare SPECT brain scans. HBO2 subjects received 120 HBO2 in blocks of 80 and 40 treatments with an interval five-month break. Normal controls underwent a single SPECT brain scan, HBO2, and repeat SPECT battery. TBI subjects were evaluated by neurologic, neuropsychometric, exercise testing, and pre and post study MRIs, or CT scans if MRI was contraindicated. Statistical Parametric Mapping was applied to SPECT scans for rCBF analysis. There were no significant objective changes in neurologic, neuropsychometric, exercise testing, MRIs, or rCBF. In this small pilot study, HBO2 did not effect clinical or regional cerebral blood flow improvement in TBI subjects.

The role and effectiveness of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of musculoskeletal disorders

The management of musculoskeletal disorders is an increasing challenge to clinicians. Successful treatment relies on a wide range of multidisciplinary interventions. Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has been used as an orthopaedic treatment for several decades. Positive outcomes have been reported by many authors for orthopaedic infections, wound healing, delayed union and non-union of fractures, acute traumatic ischemia of the extremities, compromised grafts, and burn injuries. Severe side effects have also been reported with this therapy. To aid in the use of HBO therapy in orthopaedics, we reviewed 43 papers published in the past four decades and summarised the mechanisms, effectiveness, indications and contraindications, side effects, and cost impact of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of difficult musculoskeletal disorders. Adjunctive HBO therapy is an effective treatment modality for the management of some severe and refractory musculoskeletal problems. If appropriate candidates are carefully identified, hyperbaric oxygen is a limb- and sometimes life-saving therapy. HBO therapy significantly reduces the length of the patient's hospital stay, amputation rate, and wound care expenses. Thus, it is a cost-effective modality. A clinician must understand the side effects and risks of HBO treatment. Close monitoring throughout the treatment is warranted to minimise the risk to the patients.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium fortuitum osteomyelitis of the foot and septic arthritis of the ankle in an immunocompetent patient

Mycobacteria, both tuberculous and nontuberculous, are recognized as a cause of chronic bone and joint infection. However, the diagnosis of mycobacterial infection is easily missed because of the absence of systemic involvement. Moreover, specific microbiologic techniques are required to detect mycobacteria in clinical specimens. Infections due to uncommon pathogens such as mycobacteria are more likely to occur in the immunocompromised host. A case of septic arthritis of the ankle and osteomyelitis of the foot due to both tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacteria in an immunocompetent host is reported here.

Comparative evaluation of oral levofloxacin and parenteral nafcillin in the treatment of experimental methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis in rabbits

Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) is the most common pathogen recovered from osteomyelitis patients. The current standard therapeutic method for acute phase osteomyelitis is parenteral antibiotic therapy. However, parenteral administration has negative aspects, such as secondary infection, patient inconvenience and high cost. The use of single oral antibiotic therapy may alleviate these problems. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of standard once per day dosing of oral levofloxacin with a standard parenteral antibiotic regimen (nafcillin four times daily) for the treatment of experimental MSSA osteomyelitis in rabbits. Nearly all tibias from untreated infected controls (n = 27) revealed positive cultures (93%) for S. aureus, while the levofloxacin-treated group (n = 20) demonstrated significantly lower percentages of S. aureus infection (50%). The infected tibias of the nafcillin-treated group (n = 20) demonstrated significantly lower percentages (10%) of infected tibias than either the controls or the levofloxacin-treated groups (P < 0.05). The inferior efficacy of levofloxacin may have been due to the pharmacokinetic profile of this fluoroquinolone. The serum kinetics demonstrated that following single dose administration, levofloxacin was almost undetectable after 12 h. Studies in which levofloxacin is dosed every 12 h or given at increased doses in order to obtain bactericidal concentrations throughout the treatment regimen are needed.

Hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infection

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence, clinical presentation, diagnostic laboratory values, imaging characteristics, and optimal treatment of hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infections.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

There are 27 documented cases of hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infections. Data regarding incidence, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment response are incomplete because of the paucity of reported cases.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of all cases of hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infection treated at one institution. Data from previous publications were combined with the present series to identify pertinent clinical characteristics and response to treatment.

RESULTS

A total of six cases (4%) of hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infection were identified of 140 cases of hematogenous pyogenic spinal infection at our institution. Combining all reported cases reveals the following: The average patient age is 55 years. Ninety-seven percent of cases occur in the lumbar spine. Epidural abscess formation complicates 25% of the cases of which 38% develop severe neurologic deficit. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein are elevated in all cases. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common infecting organism. Magnetic resonance imaging is accurate in identifying the septic joint and associated abscess formation. Percutaneous drainage of the involved joint has a higher rate of success (85%) than treatment with antibiotics alone (71%), but the difference is not significant (P = 0.37).

CONCLUSIONS

Hematogenous pyogenic facet joint infection is a rare but underdiagnosed clinical entity. Facet joint infections may be complicated by abscess formation in the epidural space or in the paraspinal muscles. Uncomplicated cases treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics may fare better than those treated with antibiotics alone. Cases complicated by an epidural abscess and severe neurologic deficit should undergo immediate decompressive laminectomy.

Hematogenous pyogenic spinal infections and their surgical management

STUDY DESIGN

Mainly a retrospective study of 101 cases of pyogenic spinal infection, excluding postoperative infections. Data were obtained through medical record review, imaging examination, and patient follow-up evaluation.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Hematogenous pyogenic spinal infection has been described variously as spondylodiscitis, discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, and epidural abscess. Recommended treatment options have included conservative methods (antibiotics and bracing) and surgical intervention. However, a comprehensive classification that would aid in diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis has not yet been devised.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the bacteriology, pathologic entities, complications, and results of treatment options for pyogenic spinal infection.

METHOD

All patients received plain radiographs, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans, and bone/gallium radionuclide studies. All patients had tissue biopsies. Bacteriology, hematology, and predisposing factors were analyzed. All patients received intravenous and oral antibiotics. A total of 58 patients underwent surgery. Patient outcomes were correlated with clinical status, with treatment method and, where applicable, with location and nature of epidural compression. Statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Spondylodiscitis occurred most commonly with primary epidural abscess, spondylitis, discitis, and pyogenic facet arthropathy, all occurring rarely. Staphylococcus aureus was the main organism. Infection elsewhere was the most common predisposing factor. Leukocyte counts were elevated in 42.6% of spondylodiscitis cases. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in all cases of epidural abscess. There were 35 cases of epidural abscess (frank abscess, 29; granulation tissue, 6). Epidural abscess complicating spondylodiscitis occurred most often in the cervical spine, followed by thoracic and lumbar areas. The rate of paraplegia or paraparesis also was highest in cervical and thoracic regions. There were no cases of quadriplegia. All patients with either epidural granulation tissue or paraparesis recovered completely after surgical decompression. Only 18% of patients with frank epidural abscess and 23% of patients with paralysis recovered completely after surgical decompression. Patients with spondylodiscitis who were treated nonsurgically reported residual back pain more often (64%) than patients treated surgically (26.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Pyogenic spinal infection can be thought of as a spectrum of disease comprising spondylitis, discitis, spondylodiscitis, pyogenic facet arthropathy, and epidural abscess. Spondylodiscitis is more prone to develop epidural abscesses in the cervical spine (90%) than the thoracic (33.3%) or lumbar (23.6%) areas. Thecal sac neurocompression has a greater chance of causing neurologic deficit in the thoracic spine (81.8%). Treatment of neurologic deficit caused by epidural abscess is prompt surgical decompression, with or without fusion. Patients with frank abscess had less favorable outcomes than those with granulation tissue, and paraplegia responded to treatment more poorly than paraparesis. Surgery was preferable to nonsurgical treatment for improving back pain.

Bone and joint infections in the elderly: practical treatment guidelines

Two types of haematogenous osteomyelitis that are seen in the elderly are vertebral and long bone osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis secondary to contiguous foci of infection can occur in older adults without vascular insufficiency (secondary to pressure ulcers) or with vascular insufficiency due to diabetes mellitus or peripheral vascular disease from atherosclerosis. Most cases of osteomyelitis can be reasonably treated with adequate drainage, thorough debridement, obliteration of dead space, wound protection, and antimicrobial therapy. Patients are initially given a broad spectrum antimicrobial that is changed to specific antimicrobial therapy based on meticulous bone cultures taken at debridement surgery or from deep bone biopsies. Surgical management is often required in the treatment of osteomyelitis and includes adequate drainage, extensive debridement of all necrotic tissue, obliteration of dead spaces, stabilisation, adequate soft tissue coverage, and restoration of an effective blood supply. Bone repair and bone mineral density may be significantly retarded and may be corrected by eliminating risk factors, supplementing the diet with calcium, bisphosphonates, and/or vitamin D, and treating with testosterone and/or estrogen when deficient. Sodium fluoride treatment and anabolic steroids may be used as alternatives. Septic arthritis is a medical emergency, and prompt recognition and rapid and aggressive treatment are critical to ensuring a good prognosis. The treatment of septic arthritis includes appropriate antimicrobial therapy and joint drainage. Adverse effects of prescribed antibacterials occur more often in the elderly patient than in young adults. The physician can help to minimise the incidence of adverse effects and improve outcomes by being aware of the principles of clinical pharmacology, the characteristics of specific drugs, and the special physical, psychological and social needs of older patients.

The host and the skeletal infection: classification and pathogenesis of acute bacterial bone and joint sepsis

Bone and joints are normally sterile areas. Bacteria may reach these sites by either haematogenous spread or spread from an exogenous or endogenous contiguous focus of infection. Bone infection, or osteomyelitis, is characterized by a progressive infectious process resulting in inflammatory destruction of bone, bone necrosis and new bone formation. Joint infections, or infectious arthritis, arise either from the haematogenous spread of organisms through the highly vascularized synovial membrane or from direct extension of a contiguous bone or soft tissue infection. The most commonly involved joints are the knee and the hip, although any joint can become infected. Infectious arthritis is monoarticular in 90% of cases. Some of the questions to be answered in this chapter include: how bacteria reach and cause damage in the bones and joints; what the current classification systems of bone and joint infections are; what some risk factors and host factors associated with bone and joint infection are; what some current characteristics of musculoskeletal infections are and whether the damage to joints can be diminished by treatment.

Adult posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the tibia

Posttraumatic tibial osteomyelitis results from trauma or nosocomial infection from the treatment of trauma that allows organisms to enter bone, proliferate in traumatized tissue, and cause subsequent bone infection. The resulting infection is usually polymicrobial. The patient may be classified using the May and the Cierny-Mader classification systems. The diagnosis is based on the isolation of the pathogen(s) from the bone, or blood cultures. Appropriate therapy of posttraumatic tibial osteomyelitis includes adequate drainage, thorough debridement, obliteration of dead space, stabilization when necessary, wound protection, and specific antimicrobial therapy.

Antimicrobial treatment of chronic osteomyelitis

Chronic osteomyelitis has been a difficult problem for patients and the treating physicians. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is necessary to arrest osteomyelitis along with adequate surgical therapy. Factors involved in choosing the appropriate antibiotic(s) include infection type, infecting organism, sensitivity results, host factors, and antibiotic characteristics. Initially, antibiotics are chosen on the basis of the organisms that are suspected to be causing the infection. Once the infecting organism(s) is isolated and sensitivities are established, the initial antibiotic(s) may be modified. In selecting specific antibiotics for the treatment of osteomyelitis, the type of infection, current hospital sensitivity resistance patterns, and the risk of adverse reactions must be strongly appraised. Antibiotic classes used in the treatment of osteomyelitis include penicillins, beta-lactamase inhibitors, cephalosporins, other beta-lactams (aztreonam and imipenem), vancomycin, clindamycin, rifampin, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, metronidazole, and new investigational agents including teicoplanin, quinupristin/dalfopristin, and oxazolidinones. Traditional treatments have used operative procedures followed by 4 to 6 weeks of parenteral antibiotics. Adjunctive therapy for treating chronic osteomyelitis may be achieved by using beads, spacers, or coated implants to deliver local antibiotic therapy and/or by using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (once per day for 90-120 minutes at two to three atmospheres at 100% oxygen).

Oral rifampin plus azithromycin or clarithromycin to treat osteomyelitis in rabbits

A rabbit model for Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis was used to compare 28-day combination antibiotic therapy using oral rifampin (40 mg/kg, twice daily) plus oral azithromycin (50 mg/kg, once per day), oral clarithromycin (80 mg/kg, twice daily), or parenteral nafcillin (30 mg/kg, four times daily). The left tibial metaphysis of New Zealand White rabbits was infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Grades 3 to 4 osteomyelitis (according to the Cierny-Mader classification system) development in the rabbits was confirmed radiographically. After antibiotic therapy regimens of 28 days, all tibias from controls that were infected but left untreated (n = 10) revealed positive cultures for Staphylococcus aureus at a mean concentration of 2.8 x 10(4) colony forming units/g bone. The rifampin plus clarithromycin (n = 15) and rifampin plus azithromycin (n = 15) groups showed significantly lower percentages of positive Staphylococcus aureus infection (20% and 13.3%, respectively) and bacterial concentrations (3.5 x 10(1) and 1.75 x 10(1) colony forming units/g bone, respectively). The osteomyelitic tibias of the nafcillin plus rifampin treated group (n = 7) showed no detectable Staphylococcus aureus infection (significantly lower than controls). The differences observed for bone bacterial concentrations and sterilization percentages between the antibiotic treated groups were not statistically significant. Although fluoroquinolones (including ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin) are the agents usually prescribed with rifampin, increasing resistance has been observed. Although macrolides traditionally are not used in the treatment of osteomyelitis, the results of this study indicate that azithromycin and clarithromycin may be attractive partners for rifampin for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis in humans.

Blastomycosis of the lumbar spine: case report and review of the literature, with emphasis on diagnostic laboratory tools and management

We report on the conservative and surgical management of a patient with blastomycosis of the lumbar spine, causing severe and crippling deformity. The diagnosis was made through biopsy. Curative removal, reconstruction and realignment of the spine were achieved. Imaging modalities were highlighted, with a detailed discussion of the histology and conservative and surgical management. We emphasize the importance of early, aggressive treatment of blastomycosis to prevent deformity and disability, and to enable identification of the best management of a destructive lesion with deformity. This case demonstrates that empirical treatment should not be used in cases of unusual sinus and abscess locations. Specific diagnosis and early treatment are indicated to prevent dreadful complications and spinal deformity resulting from blastomycosis. Aggressive antifungal therapy can cure the disease but does not control complications related to deformity. The latter can only be addressed by surgical reconstruction. We review the literature of surgical treatment, focusing on abscess drainage, bone fusion and posterior instrumentation in the absence of addressing the deformity component.

Short-term tympanostomy in conjunction with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the most effective method of short-term middle ear aeration in patients unable to tolerate hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study comparing two methods of short-term tympanostomy in each patient.

METHODS

Seventeen adult patients were referred for management of barotitis and inability to tolerate hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO). Each patient underwent CO2 laser tympanostomy on the right ear and tympanostomy with T-tube placement in the left ear. The tube was removed on completion of HBO. Patients were asked to rate pain and their satisfaction with each method of tympanostomy using a visual analog scale. Otorrhea, persistent perforation, recurrent barotitis, hearing loss, and otalgia occurring during the study period were documented.

RESULTS

Laser tympanostomy was associated with a significantly lower incidence of otorrhea but was attended by recurrent barotitis in four of 16 patients. Laser tympanostomy was perceived as being less painful and was rated higher in overall satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser tympanostomy is an effective method for management of barotitis in patients unable to tolerate HBO. Otorrhea is significantly reduced, although a risk of recurrent barotitis exists if the laser perforation closes prior to completion of HBO. Both methods of short-term tympanostomy reduce complications when compared with a retrospective cohort.

Percutaneous transpedicular discectomy and drainage in pyogenic spondylodiscitis

Spondylodiscitis normally heals itself, but it can cause bone destruction leading to deformity and often pain. Debridement of these infections by percutaneous transpedicular discectomy with access from adjacent caudal pedicles can accelerate natural healing and prevent progression to bone destruction and deformity. We outline this technique and discuss a series of 28 patients treated using a percutaneous transpedicular approach to obtain culture and histopathology specimens, permit drainage and antibiotic irrigation, and provide a channel for granulation tissue to invade the infected space. This procedure is safe and effective, but it is contraindicated for epidural abscess or granulation tissue-induced neurocompression and it is ineffective against extensive bone destruction.

The effectiveness of gallium citrate Ga 67 radionuclide imaging in vertebral osteomyelitis revisited

We investigated the role of gallium citrate Ga 67 scanning in diagnosing spondylodiscitis. Scans of 41 patients with suspected spondylodiscitis showed increased radionuclide uptake in 39 patients; these findings correlated with those of magnetic resonance imaging and were proved by biopsy. Two patients with negative findings on gallium scans had been strongly suspected of having spondylodiscitis; biopsy findings in these patients showed degenerative changes. Thirteen patients had negative cultures, while 22 had polygenic infections and 4 had granulomatous infections. Gallium scanning proved to be 100% sensitive, specific, and accurate. The interrater accuracy was excellent. Follow-up scans were used to track therapeutic progress. We recommend complementary bone and gallium scans in cases of suspected spinal infections. If the scan is positive, a biopsy should be done. If the scans are negative, no further investigation is needed.

Complications of tympanostomy tubes inserted for facilitation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy

OBJECTIVE

To document the incidence of complications occurring secondary to placement of tympanostomy tubes in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Forty-five patients referred to the Department of Otolaryngology for inability to tolerate hyperbaric oxygen therapy between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 1995.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent bilateral myringotomy and tube placement.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Charts were reviewed for complications of tube placement, including otorrhea, otalgia, hearing loss, persistent perforations, and tinnitus.

RESULTS

Seventeen (38%) of 45 patients experienced complications, with most having more than 1. Most complications occurred after conclusion of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Otorrhea was most common, occurring in 13 patients (29%). Persistent tympanic membrane perforations occurred in 7 patients (16%).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of complications is higher than reported for placement of tympanostomy tubes in other patient populations. Coexisting illness, such as diabetes mellitus, may contribute to the development of complications in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Alternative methods of tympanostomy, with emphasis on shorter duration of intubation, should be considered in this patient population.

Staging and staging application in osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is traditionally staged by the Waldvogel classification system. The Waldvogel classification is an etiologic system and does not readily lend itself to guiding surgical or antibiotic therapy. Other classifications have been developed to emphasize different clinical aspects of osteomyelitis. These classifications include those of Ger, Kelly, Weiland, Gordon, May, and Cierny-Mader. The Cierny-Mader classification is based on the anatomy of bone infection and the physiology of the host. The Cierny-Mader classification permits the development of comprehensive treatment guidelines for each stage. The Cierny-Mader classification is used to demonstrate the application of staging for the diagnosis and treatment of osteomyelitis.

Skeletal scintigraphy with technetium-99m-tetraphenyl porphyrin sulfonate for the detection and determination of osteomyelitis in an animal model

This article explores the accumulation of 99mTc-tetraphenyl porphyrin sulfonate (TPPS4) at inflammatory sites, especially osteomyelitis, and compares the results with 111In Cl3 and 111In-WBC in an animal model.

METHODS

Osteomyelitis was induced in 12 New Zealand white rabbits by injecting staphylococcus aureus in the left tibia. Three weeks later, radiographs confirmed the disease. Two hours later, after injection of 74 MBq 99mTc-TPPS4, scintiphotos of the lower extremities were acquired and repeat scintiphotos were obtained 24 hr after injection of 5.55 MBq 111In Cl3. After these studies, 24- and 48-hr scintiphotos of the lower extremities were acquired after injecting 5.55 MBq 111In-labeled WBC.

RESULTS

The left tibia averaged three times the uptake with 99mTc-TPPS4 compared with right tibia; with 111In Cl3 and 111In WBC the ratios are two times. These three radiopharmaceuticals reveal positive images, but the image quality using 99mTc-TPPS4 is better, as would be expected from the more favorable physical characteristics of 99mTc and the higher uptake.

CONCLUSION

The traditional combination of three-phase bone and 67Ga-citrate scintigraphy can be replaced by a single injection of 99mTc-TPPS4 with imaging as early as 2 hr. Finally, the use 99mTc-TPPS4 should result in a substantial reduction in radiopharmaceutical cost.

Calcaneal osteomyelitis caused by nail puncture wounds

Plantar puncture wounds to the foot are a common injury. A small number (1.8%) of these puncture wounds become infected and progress to osteomyelitis. The purpose of this article is to report the cases of six patients who developed osteomyelitis of the calcaneus after a puncture wound to the heel caused by a nail. The characteristics of the patients, the pathogenic organism, and the outcome were studied. Patients who were healthy and had no systemic illness (N = 4) had only one pathogenic organism cultured, whereas patients who had systemic illness (diabetes mellitus, N = 2) had more than one pathogenic organism cultured. The only amputation in this group occurred in a patient with diabetes mellitus. It was concluded that diabetic patients who develop calcaneal osteomyelitis from a nail puncture wound are more likely to have multiple pathogens cultured. Furthermore, if a diabetic neuropathy is also present, the nail puncture wound may be the initial injury leading to a chronic ulceration, increasing the risk of amputation.

A practical guide to the diagnosis and management of bone and joint infections

Infectious arthritis arises from haematogenous spread of organisms through the synovial membrane or from the direct extension of a contiguous infection. The diagnosis rests on the isolation of the pathogen(s) from joint fluid obtained by aspiration or from debridement. Synovial fluid analysis and Gram stains provide clues to the aetiology. The treatment of septic arthritis includes appropriate antimicrobial therapy and joint drainage. Bone infections are currently classified by the Waldvogel or Cierny-Mader classification. Cierny-Mader staging allows stratification and development of comprehensive treatment guidelines for each stage. Osteomyelitis therapy emphasises early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Radiographs and bone cultures are the mainstays of diagnosis. Radionuclide scans, computerised tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may be obtained when the diagnosis of osteomyelitis is equivocal or to help gauge the extent of the infection. Medical therapy includes improving any host deficiencies, initial antibiotic selection and antibiotic modification based on culture results. Surgical treatment involves debridement of necrotic bone and tissue, obtaining appropriate cultures, managing dead space and, when necessary, obtaining bone stability.

Treatment of osteomyelitis with a biodegradable antibiotic implant

A biodegradable antibiotic implant was developed and evaluated in a localized osteomyelitic rabbit model. The biodegradable antibiotic implant was made of polylactic acid and poly(DL-lactide):co-glycolide combined with vancomycin. Localized rabbit tibial osteomyelitis was developed with Staphylococcus aureus. Infected rabbits were divided into eight groups, depending on treatment with or without debridement, systemic antibiotics, or biodegradable beads. After 4 weeks of therapy, the radiographs were obtained of the involved bones, which also were cultured for concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus per gram of bone. Treatment with antibiotic containing polylactic acid and poly(DL-lactide):co-glycolide beads, with and without systemic vancomycin, resulted in bone colony forming unit levels of 10(2.93) and 10(2.84) colony forming units per gram bone, respectively. These bacterial concentrations were approximately 100 times lower than those observed for all other treatment groups. A biodegradable antibiotic bead may provide extended bactericidal concentrations of antibiotics for the time needed to completely treat the particular orthopaedic infection and does not require the surgery needed to remove the polymethylmethacrylate beads.

In vitro evaluation of antibiotic diffusion from antibiotic-impregnated biodegradable beads and polymethylmethacrylate beads

Antibiotic-impregnated beads are used in the dead bone space following debridement surgery to deliver local, high concentrations of antibiotics. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), 2,000-molecular-weight (MW) polylactic acid (PLA), Poly(DL-lactide)-coglycolide (PL:CG; 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30), and the combination 2,000-MW PLA-70:20 PL:CG were individually mixed with clindamycin, tobramycin, or vancomycin. Beads were placed in 1 ml of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and incubated at 37 degrees C. The PBS was changed daily, and the removed PBS samples were stored at -70 degrees C until the antibiotic in each sample was determined by microbiological disk diffusion assay. Nondissolving PMMA beads with tobramycin and clindamycin had concentrations well above breakpoint sensitivity concentrations (i.e., the antibiotic concentrations at the transition point between bacterial killing and resistance to the antibiotic) for more than 90 days, but vancomycin concentrations dropped by day 12. ALl PLA, PL:CG, and the 2,000-MW PLA-70:30 PL:CG biodegradable beads release high concentrations of all the antibiotics in vitro for the period of time needed to treat bone infections (i.e., 4 to 8 weeks). Antibiotic-loaded PLA and PL:CG beads have the advantage of better antibiotic elution and the ability to biodegradable (thereby averting the need for secondary surgery for bead removal) compared to the PMMA beads presently used in the clinical setting.

Update on the diagnosis and management of osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis can be classified by duration, pathogenesis, location, extent, and host status. Bone infections are currently classified by the Waldvogel or the Cierny-Mader classification. Because the Waldvogel classification is an etiologic system and the Cierny-Mader classification is descriptive, both classifications can be simultaneously used. The Cierny-Mader classification is based on the anatomy of the bone infection and the physiology of the host. Cierny-Mader staging allows stratification of long bone osteomyelitis and the development of comprehensive treatment guidelines for each stage. Current trends in long bone osteomyelitis therapy emphasize early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Radiographs and bone cultures are the mainstays of diagnosis. Imaging with radionuclide scans, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are used when the diagnosis of osteomyelitis is equivocal or to help guage the extent bone and soft tissue infection. Surgical treatment involves débridement of necrotic bone and tissue, obtaining appropriate cultures, managing dead space, and, when necessary, obtaining bone stability. Medical therapy includes improving any host deficiencies, initial antibiotic selection, and antibiotic modification based on culture results. Antibiotic delivery has expanded to include effective oral agents and local therapy with antibiotics mixed in polymethylmethacrylate. Cierny-Mader staging was developed to describe long bone osteomyelitis. This staging system has to be modified to describe diabetic foot osteomyelitis and vertebral osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes mellitus involves the bones of the feet or ankles. The vascular and neurologic status of the patient must be carefully accessed. Patients may be managed with local débridement surgery or ablative surgery plus 2 to 4 weeks of antibiotic therapy depending on whether all of the osteomyelitis is surgically removed. If the patient does not wish surgery or is not a surgical candidate, suppressive antibiotic therapy can be used. Vertebral osteomyelitis is usually hematogenous in origin. The diagnosis is made by bone cultures, histology, and radiographs. Magnetic resonance imaging and technetium scans are useful in making the diagnosis and in gauging the extent of the bone and soft tissue infection. Therapy requires parenteral antibiotic therapy and may include early surgery and stabilization. The choice of an antibiotic therapy is guided by the bone biopsy or débridement culture results.

Rapid Progression of Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma after Hyperbaric Oxygenation

We present four head and neck cancer patients who apparently had rapid progression of clinically occult disease during or soon after undergoing hyperbaric oxygenation. This led us to review existing knowledge about the interaction of HBO with tumors. The literature can be summarized as follows: 1. HBO is a useful tool in several situations commonly encountered by head and neck surgeons-infections, radionecrosis, and wound-healing problems. 2. The use of HBO as a hypoxic cell sensitizer during radiation therapy has been extensively studied, with evidence supporting only marginal advantage to this logistically difficult undertaking. 3. Most reports regarding the interaction of HBO with transplanted tumor cells suggest no effect on tumor growth or metastases. 4. Studies of chemically induced carcinogenesis are less conclusive. Some evidence supports a role for HBO in enhancing growth of preexisting tumors. Better understanding of the interaction of HBO with existing tumors is required to ensure that informed choices-weighing potential risks and benefits of HBO treatment--may be made by head and neck surgeons and their patients. Further research into the interaction between HBO and tumor cells is warranted.

Rapid progression of head and neck squamous carcinoma after hyperbaric oxygenation

We present four head and neck cancer patients who apparently had rapid progression of clinically occult disease during or soon after undergoing hyperbaric oxygenation. This led us to review existing knowledge about the interaction of HBO with tumors. The literature can be summarized as follows: 1. HBO is a useful tool in several situations commonly encountered by head and neck surgeons-infections, radionecrosis, and wound-healing problems. 2. The use of HBO as a hypoxic cell sensitizer during radiation therapy has been extensively studied, with evidence supporting only marginal advantage to this logistically difficult undertaking. 3. Most reports regarding the interaction of HBO with transplanted tumor cells suggest no effect on tumor growth or metastases. 4. Studies of chemically induced carcinogenesis are less conclusive. Some evidence supports a role for HBO in enhancing growth of preexisting tumors. Better understanding of the interaction of HBO with existing tumors is required to ensure that informed choices-weighing potential risks and benefits of HBO treatment--may be made by head and neck surgeons and their patients. Further research into the interaction between HBO and tumor cells is warranted.

Osteomyelitis

The complexities of osteomyelitis make its diagnosis and treatment challenging. Current trends emphasize early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Imaging has improved, with nuclear scans and magnetic resonance imaging, and technique modifications have enhanced the specificity of these tests. Treatment depends on thorough debridement of necrotic bone and tissue, accurate cultures and administration of culture, and sensitivity-specific antibiotics. Antibiotic delivery has expanded to include effective oral agents and local agents mixed with polymethylmethacrylate or a biodegradable substance. Success rates in treating this disease have improved with the use of a systematic approach, making outcome more predictable.

Long-bone osteomyelitis diagnosis and management

The pathogen may proliferate years after seemingly successful treatment. The authors describe a classification system to evaluate both the disease and the patient's capacity to undergo the rigors of therapy. Two cases illustrate the clinical issues.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis can be difficult to treat. Current trends emphasize early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Imaging has improved with nuclear scans and magnetic resonance imaging, and recent modifications in technique have enhanced the specificity. Treatment depends on debridement of necrotic bone and tissue, obtaining accurate cultures, and administration of culture- and sensitivity-directed antibiotics. Antibiotic delivery has expanded to include effective oral agents and local agents mixed with polymethylmethacrylate or a biodegradable substance. Success rates in treating this disease have improved with a systematic approach, making outcome more predictable.

Use of antibiotic-PMMA beads in the ischemic foot

Thirty-six patients with 44 ischemic foot infections were managed with antibiotic-polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads. Most of these patients received gentamicin-impregnated PMMA beads but tobramycin and vancomycin-impregnated PMMA beads were used on three patients. Angiopathy occurred in 35 patients secondary to diabetes and secondary to renal disease in 2; 1 patient had both diabetes and renal disease. The most common bacteria was Staphylococcus aureus (82%), although other organisms and multiple bacteria were present. In spite of the variability of the bacteria, PMMA beads were helpful in managing foot infections in this difficult patient population.

The treatment of infected nonunions with gentamicin-polymethylmethacrylate antibiotic beads

Fifty-two patients enrolled in the Septopal study of infected nonunions were prospectively examined in a randomized, controlled, closed study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 24 patients treated with debridement and intravenous antibiotics for four weeks. Group 2 consisted of 28 patients treated with debridement, gentamicin-polymethylmethacrylate (Septopal) beads, and perioperative broad-spectrum parenteral antibiotics. Both groups were treated with similar methods for reconstruction of the nonunions. The demographics of the two groups were similar. The average patient age in Group 1 was 38.4 years, and in Group 2, 37.1 years. Group 1 included 21 men and three women and Group 2, 23 men and five women. The nonunions in both groups ranged from simple hypertrophic nonunions to atrophic unions to segmental defects. The end results were good in both groups. Twenty patients in Group 1 and 25 patients in Group 2 had their infections successfully arrested (83.3% and 89.3%, respectively). Nonunions were successfully healed in the two groups, with similar results (Group 1, 83.3%; Group 2, 85.7%). Infected nonunions responded equally well to either systemic treatment with long-term intravenous antibiotics or local treatment with gentamicin-polymethylmethacrylate beads.

Diagnoses and staging. Osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infections

The diagnoses of osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infections are usually made on the basis of clinical, laboratory, and radiographic examination. The diagnostic studies presently employed to diagnosis and assess osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infections are described. A universally applied classification system for stratifying osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infection would provide a framework for the evaluation of medical and surgical treatment efficacy. Such a system would enable treatment results to be compared among institutions. Staging systems currently being used are described.

Antimicrobial treatment of osteomyelitis

Parenteral antibiotic therapy remains the mainstay of antimicrobial therapy for osteomyelitis. In acute cases, empirical treatment may be used initially, but antibiotic selection should ideally be based on deep aspiration or bone cultures with corresponding in vitro sensitivity testing. The drug exhibiting the highest bacteriocidal activity with the least toxicity and lowest cost should be chosen. Antibiotic treatment will not substitute for surgical debridement of infected devitalized bone. The length of treatment with parenteral therapy remains controversial. The six-week benchmark, which was determined largely by experience with childhood hematogenous osteomyelitis, may not be applicable to contiguous focus osteomyelitis after trauma in adults. The goal of surgical treatment is to convert an infection with dead bone to a situation with well-vascularized tissues that are readily penetrated by blood-borne antibiotics, making prolonged drug treatment unnecessary.

The Ilizarov fixator and polymethylmethacrylate-antibiotic beads for the treatment of infected deformities

Eighteen of the 124 patients enrolled in the gentamicin methylmethacrylate bead (GMB; Septopal) study had infected deformities that were treated with the Ilizarov external fixator. Nine of these patients (Group 1) were treated with an initial debridement and intravenous antibiotics for four weeks. Nine patients (Group 2) were treated with GMB and, five days after operation, intravenous antibiotics. The two groups were similar. Group 1 included eight men and one woman (average age, 31.8 years) and Group 2, seven men and two woman (average age, 37.4 years). Both groups had multiple deformities, including nonunions, segmental defects, angulation, and shortness. The end results were identical. Eight patients in each group had their infection successfully arrested (88.9%), and eight patients in each group had their deformity successfully treated. The use of GMB with the Ilizarov fixator was as effective as long-term parenteral antibiotics with the Ilizarov fixator for the treatment of infected deformities.

Treatment of infected pilon nonunions with small pin fixators

Six consecutive patients with infected intra-articular fractures of the distal tibia were studied. They were treated with resection of all infected or necrotic bone, systemic antibiotics, and instrumentation with a small pin fixator (Ilizarov external fixator). The fixator was used to perform an ankle arthrodesis and to fill the defect created by bone resection with distraction osteogenesis. In all cases, the infections were eradicated, and a solid arthrodesis was attained. The patients required from zero to two revision procedures (average 1.3), and their time in the fixator varied from 3 to 13 months (average 8 months). All of the patients experienced at least minor complications during treatment (superficial pin tract infections). At final follow-up, no patient demonstrated shortening of more than 1.5 cm. One patient has an internal rotation deformity of 15 degrees; a second has a varus deformity of 10 degrees and occasionally uses lateral support (a cane) secondary to unsteadiness on uneven ground; and one patient uses aspirin occasionally for subtalar pain. All are pleased with their results and would undergo the same procedure again without reservation.

Evaluation of therapy with hyperbaric oxygen for experimental infection with Clostridium perfringens

The effects of inoculum size and treatment delays on the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) were evaluated in a murine model of Clostridium perfringens myositis in which the infection was treated with an HBO regimen identical to that used for humans. The efficacies of treatment with penicillin, metronidazole, or clindamycin--alone or in combination with HBO--were also assessed. Survival was inversely related to the size of the bacterial inoculum used for challenge, and delays in treatment markedly reduced the efficacies of all single and combination regimens. When animals were challenged with > 10(8) colony-forming units, survival was significantly higher among those treated with clindamycin or metronidazole than among those treated with penicillin. HBO alone did not improve survival at any inoculum tested. However, when administered early, HBO plus metronidazole or penicillin demonstrated significant additive efficacies in animals challenged with > or = 10(9) organisms. Clindamycin was more effective at the higher inocula than penicillin, metronidazole, or HBO, and its superior efficacy was not further enhanced by adjunctive therapy with HBO.

Salmonella typhi osteomyelitis in a nonsickle cell patient. A case report

Few cases of osteomyelitis caused by Salmonella typhi in nonsickle cell patients have been reported. In a 33-year-old woman with a history of chronic, intermittent drainage of the right lower leg, roentgenographs indicated middiaphyseal osteomyelitis of the fibula. Bone cultures obtained at surgical debridement grew S. typhi. The patient responded adequately to four weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy, and the infection has remained arrested after 18 months. The characteristics of S. typhi osteomyelitis are as follows: All reported cases have affected female patients with no apparent immunocompromise; all had a history of S. typhi infection with long bone involvement; and all had a tendency to recurrence.

Evaluation of new anti-infective drugs for the treatment of osteomyelitis in adults. Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Food and Drug Administration

Cases of osteomyelitis can be divided into four categories: acute hematogenous, vertebral, secondary to a contiguous focus of infection without vascular disease, and secondary to a contiguous focus of infection with vascular disease. Each category may be further divided into acute and chronic forms. Clinical symptoms persisting for > or = 10 days correlate roughly with the development of necrotic bone and chronic osteomyelitis. Patients enrolled in clinical trials should generally be > or = 12 years of age. Prior antimicrobial treatment does not exclude patients if the culture of a bone sample obtained at the time of enrollment yields pathogenic bacteria. Randomized, double-blind, active-control comparative studies are encouraged. Clinical outcome should be assessed during therapy and within 5-9 days, 4-6 weeks, and 11-13 months after completion of therapy. In the final assessment, clinical appraisal is paramount.

Evaluation of new anti-infective drugs for the treatment of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in children. Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Food and Drug Administration

Most children with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis have no preceding illness. Their early symptoms are pain and fever. A bacterial etiology is established in approximately 75% of cases by needle aspiration of the affected site or blood culture. Clinical trials should be limited to cases of bacterial origin. The antimicrobial agents studied should be active against Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci. If children < 5 years of age are included, the drug should also be active against beta-lactamase-negative and -positive strains of Haemophilus influenzae. Randomized, prospective, double-blind comparative studies are preferable to open, evaluator-blinded trials. Clinical outcome is appraised by physical signs and symptoms. A successful microbiological outcome consists of presumptive eradication. The final assessment should be made 1 year after completion of therapy.

Evaluation of new anti-infective drugs for the treatment of infectious arthritis in adults. Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Food and Drug Administration

This guideline describes clinical trials of new anti-infective drugs for the treatment of septic arthritis due to bacteria other than Neisseria gonorrhoeae in adults. Septic arthritis is associated with fever and with physical findings at the affected joint. Diagnosis is established by culture of synovial fluid. Treatment includes the administration of antimicrobial drugs and drainage of the joint by needle aspiration or surgery. Multicenter, randomized comparative clinical trials that are single-, double-, or evaluator-blinded should be performed. However, an open trial of a new antimicrobial agent with historical controls is acceptable. Patients should receive treatment for at least 2-3 weeks. After 5 days of antimicrobial therapy, synovial fluid should be sterile and clinical signs and symptoms should have diminished. Patients should be followed for 2-4 weeks after completion of therapy.

Evaluation of new anti-infective drugs for the treatment of acute suppurative arthritis in children. Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Food and Drug Administration

Diagnostic criteria for bacterial suppurative arthritis include the demonstration of an inflammatory exudate by aspiration of synovial fluid and the isolation of bacteria from cultures of synovial fluid and/or blood. Clinical manifestations include joint effusion, swelling, tenderness, and pain, with or without redness of the overlying skin. Management consists of antimicrobial therapy, measures designed to relieve symptoms, surgical drainage of infected fluid, and physical therapy. Studies of new anti-infective therapy should be limited to cases of bacterial origin. Prospective, randomized, double-blind, or evaluator-blinded, active-control comparative clinical trials should be performed. Clinical response is characterized as success (cure), failure, or indeterminate outcome. The most common successful microbiological outcome is presumptive eradication. Follow-up should continue for 1 year before the final assessment.

Evaluation of new anti-infective drugs for the treatment of infections of prosthetic hip joints. Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Food and Drug Administration

Infections of a prosthetic hip are of three types: acute contiguous, chronic contiguous, and hematogenous. Acute contiguous infections result from contamination of the operative field at the time of surgery; clinical manifestations of infection become apparent within 6 months. Chronic contiguous infections are diagnosed 6-24 months postoperatively and are believed to be caused by intraoperative contamination. Hematogenous seeding of prosthetic joints accounts for infections that develop > or = 2 years after surgery. Fever and pain or dysfunction of the joint may be the only signs or symptoms of prosthetic hip joint infection. Definitive diagnosis is established by culture of a needle aspirate from the joint space or by intraoperative culture. Prospective, randomized, double-blind or evaluator-blinded, active-control comparative studies are preferable to open trials. Success rates 10-14 weeks after completion of a 4- to 6-week course of antimicrobial therapy should be > or = 90%.

Evaluation of new anti-infective drugs for the treatment of selected infections of the skin and skin structure. Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Food and Drug Administration

No method for classifying infections of the skin and skin structure is uniformly accepted. Therefore, each protocol for the evaluation of new anti-infective drugs must include definitions of the skin and skin-structure infections to be treated. Clinical findings may suggest the etiology. Cultures should be performed by the best available technique. Because the yield of pathogens from sites of skin and skin-structure infection is often low, monitoring of the clinical response to therapy is paramount. Randomized, double-blind, active-control comparative studies are needed, and maintenance of blinding is recommended, even with a change in the route of administration of the study and/or control drugs. The period of follow-up should be defined for each type of infection.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of antibiotic diffusion from antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads

The elution of antibiotics from antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads was measured in mongrel dogs. The antibiotics, used in mixture with Simplex cement, included cefazolin (Ancef; 4.5 g/40 g cement powder), ciprofloxacin (Cipro; 6 g/40 g powder), clindamycin (Cleocin; 6 g/40 g powder), ticarcillin (Ticar; 12 g/40 g powder), tobramycin (Nebcin; 9.8 g/40 g powder), and vancomycin (Vancocin; 4 g/40 g powder). After a pneumatic drill was used to dredge a trough in the tibia, five beads were implanted. During the next 28 days, seroma samples and serum samples were taken for antibiotic measurements. On Day 28, the dogs were killed, beads removed, and the seroma, serum, bone, and granulation tissue sampled. The results of the study showed that clindamycin, vancomycin, and tobramycin exhibited good elution characteristics and had consistently high levels in bone and granulation tissue.

Infection in the diabetic foot

A 56-year-old woman presented with a chronic infection of her right first toe. The woman had a 15-year history of diabetes mellitus and had been insulin dependent for the past five years. Her toe had been injured one month earlier when hit by a frozen chicken that fell out of the freezer. The accident caused a bruise and a small cut. Serous to purulent drainage then developed. When she presented, the toe was reddened and draining. Physical examination showed a nonobese woman with no fever or other evidence of systemic infection. The wound showed no evidence of necrotizing fasciitis. Peripheral pulses were 2+ and capillary refill was slow. Sensation in both feet was decreased. The transcutaneous oxygen tension in the feet was reduced at 20 mm Hg. Relevant laboratory findings included a serum glucose of 250 and creatinine of 1.5. X-rays of the foot were compatible with diffuse osteomyelitis of the distal phalanx of the great toe. Technetium and indium scans were positive, with increased uptake localized to the area of x-ray changes (Figure 1). The patient was admitted to the hospital.

Adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen in malignant external otitis

Necrotizing invasive pseudomonal infection of the external auditory canal (malignant external otitis) is an uncommon but important disorder in the elderly. The high morbidity, and even mortality, of this disorder has been reduced by the early and intensive use of combination antipseudomonal antibiotics. However, in severely immunocompromised patients or in infection involving the base of the skull, multiple cranial nerves, or the meninges, conventional therapy has been prolonged, intensive, and relatively ineffective. We treated 16 patients with malignant external otitis with adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In six patients, infection was in advanced stages, infections were recurrences after previous treatment, and repeated treatment with antipseudomonal antibiotics had failed. All 16 cases responded promptly when a 30-day course of hyperbaric oxygen was added to the antibiotic regimen, and all patients remained free of infection or neurologic deficit during 1 to 4 years of follow-up. No complications of this treatment modality were noted. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverses tissue hypoxia, which enhances phagocytic killing of aerobic microorganisms, and stimulates neomicroangiogenesis. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen augments the action of aminoglycoside antibiotics. Adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered in advanced or recurrent cases of malignant external otitis.

Does hyperbaric oxygen have a place in the treatment of osteomyelitis?

There are several specific mechanisms by which HBO restores normal cellular processes that are compromised by hypoxia, or by which HBO augments bactericidal events. All of these are potentially applicable to, and beneficial for, the osteomyelitis patient. At the University of Texas Medical Branch, we find that early osteomyelitis is usually amenable to appropriate medical and surgical therapy. Adjunctive HBO is generally reserved for treatment of advanced stages of osteomyelitis (3B and 4B). In addition, HBO is occasionally used when patient circumstances dictate suppression of osteomyelitis rather than definitive treatment. Our clinical impression is that HBO has a beneficial effect on treatment outcome in these selected patients. Fault-free clinical studies are difficult to perform in this complex and varied patient population. Several studies have suggested a beneficial effect with the addition of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen to usual osteomyelitis treatment regimens, whereas other clinical studies have failed to demonstrate such a benefit. No study has shown any harmful effect of adjunctive HBO on the outcome of osteomyelitis treatment. We hope that clinical researchers will continue to address this question, despite the research design problems inherent in the osteomyelitis population.

Hyperbaric oxygen as adjunctive therapy for osteomyelitis

Mechanistically, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) appears useful for the treatment of osteomyelitis. HBO increases the oxygen tension in infected tissue, including bone. An adequate oxygen tension is necessary for oxygen-dependent killing of organisms by the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and for fibroblast activity leading to angiogenesis and wound healing. HBO has a direct bacteriocidal or bacteriostatic effect on anaerobic organisms. In addition, HBO augments the killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the aminoglycoside--tobramycin. At the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, adjunctive HBO is used for the Cierny Mader stage 3B and 4B osteomyelitis.

Ankle arthrodesis in the presence of continuous sepsis. Indications, methods, and results

On 26 patients, 28 ankle fusions were performed and followed 2 or more years. A functional limb salvage was gained in 25 limbs (96%) with an overall arrest rate of 92%. There was one amputation (4%). The major complication rate was 38% for the series and 86% for patients with uncorrected wound-healing deficiencies (B-hosts). All of the first and second treatment failures were associated with a central column deficiency (C-).

Treatment options for infected knee arthroplasties

Twenty-four total knee arthroplasty infections in 23 patients treated over a 9-year period at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston were retrospectively reviewed. Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated from 11 of 24 and Staphylococcus aureus from eight of 24 knees, respectively. Eleven infections were polymicrobic. Control of infection was obtained in 13 of 13 patients treated initially with resection arthroplasty, and 11 of these were ambulatory at follow-up. Infection was controlled in three of 10 knees treated initially with debridement, and six of these nine patients were ambulatory at follow-up. One patient was initially treated with amputation. Four of four patients treated by resection arthroplasty and then by reimplantation were ambulatory without signs of infection at follow-up. Resection arthroplasty reliably controls infection but produces a painful unstable joint that requires brace support or subsequent surgery for pain-free ambulation. Reimplantation in selected patients offers the best chance for pain-free ambulation.