Outcome and Predictors of Treatment Failure in Chronic Osteomyelitis Using Bioactive Glass Granules and Putty Formulations

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of patients with cavitary chronic osteomyelitis undergoing adjuvant treatment with bioactive glass (BAG) S53P4 and identify the independent risk factors (RFs) for recurrence in 6- and 12-month patient follow-up.

METHODS

A retrospective, multicentre observational study conducted in tertiary specialised hospitals among patients undergoing the surgical treatment of chronic cavitary osteomyelitis using BAG-S53P4 in a granule and/or putty formulation to assess the clinical outcome and RFs for failure in 6- and 12-month patient follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 92 and 78 patients with 6-month and 12-month follow-ups, infection was eradicated in 85.9% and 87.2%, respectively. In the 6-month follow-up, BAG-S53P4 in the granule formulation presented a greater risk of recurrence compared to the bioactive glass putty formulation or combined granules and putty (prevalence ratio (PR) = 3.04; confidence interval 95% [CI95%]: 1.13-10.52) and neoplasia (PR = 5.26; CI95%: 1.17-15.52). In the 12-month follow-up cohort of 78 patients, smoking (PR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.03-15.52) and nonfermenting GNB infection (PR = 3.87; CI95%: 1.09-13.73) presented a greater risk of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

BAG-S53P4 is a viable option for bone-void filling and the treatment of chronic cavitary osteomyelitis. Formulations of BAG with putty or in combination with granules showed better results.

[Experimental cadaveric study assesing protection and osteotomy guide system (BARU) in hallux valgus surgery using Reverdin-Isham technic]

INTRODUCTION

Hallux valgus is a high frequency disorder, affecting the first ray. Operative correction techniques have grown popularity lately. One of them is the Reverdin-Isham technique (first metatarsal medial incomplete osteotomy). Recently, a protection and osteotomy cutting guide has been developed: the BARU system.

OBJECTIVE

To test the usefulness of the BARU system as a protective factor for soft structures adjacent to the surgical site and guidance for osteotomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Experimental cadaveric study. Six cadaveric feet (two fresh-frozen and four in formaldehyde solution), unapproached. Feet were numbered and intervened with RI technique, three of them with BARU system and three without it. Afterwards, dissection by two dissectors who did not know whether the BARU system had been used or not, establishing a single-blinded model. 13 structures were evaluated in each foot. Data was recovered into Microsoft Office Excel and processed with SPSS. 2 test (significative if p value < 0.05) and relative risk were calculated.

RESULTS

Approach using BARU system was satisfactory, with usual-size operation-ports. BARU system colocation was simple and radiological control showed adequate spatial location. The device contributed as reference for cutting direction and depth. 65 out of the 78 searched structures were found (83.3%). Six injuries were found among the assessed structures: plantar medial nerve (one injury), plantar medial artery (one injury), flexor brevis muscle (three injuries), abductor muscle (one injury). Five of these injuries occurred in non-utilizing BARU system feet.

CONCLUSION

Promising results in terms of protection of nearby structures, cutting guide, and ease of intervention. Avoids X-rays exposure. Not significant statistical calculations, the sample should be enlarged.

Evaluation of effectiveness of 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine solution against infections in wire and pin holes for Ilizarov external fixators

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Superficial infection at wire and pin insertions in the skin is a frequent disorder among patients utilizing the Ilizarov method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of daily topical application of 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine solution against infections of the holes for Kirschner wires and Schanz pins among patients using Ilizarov external fixators, in comparison with cleaning these holes only with 0.9% sterile physiological saline solution.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Controlled randomized clinical trial, in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Outpatient Clinic, Hospital São Paulo, and Orthopedics and Traumatology Center of Jundiaí.

METHODS

30 patients were treated using the Ilizarov technique: 15 were instructed to apply 0.9% physiological saline dressing on the wire and pin insertions and 15 to apply 0.9% physiological saline plus 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine. Patients were evaluated at outpatient return visits for identification of signs and symptoms of superficial infection at wire and pin insertion sites. Samples were collected from cases of purulent exudate secretion, for culturing and clinical tests.

RESULTS

The chi-squared and Fischer exact tests were applied, but no statistically significant association between the intervention of topical polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine solution and the prevention of infections at wire and pin insertions could be found.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine solution applied daily to Kirschner wire and Schanz pin insertions did not reduce the incidence of superficial infection at these holes, in comparison with mechanical removal of dirt using 0.9% physiological saline solution.

Use of the Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of patients with Ollier's disease

The authors present the results of treatment of 10 patients with Ollier's disease using the Ilizarov technique. The Ilizarov device was used to treat leg length discrepancy and to enhance the conversion of chondroma cartilage into normal mature bone, with no curettage and bone grafting. The mean duration of treatment was 9.4 months. This technique was highly efficient in treating the disease. It led to conversion of the abnormal cartilage into histologically mature bone in all patients. Some complications were seen, such as decreased knee mobility, which required prolonged use of the device. The Ilizarov technique is successful in treating patients with Ollier's disease despite some complications and the difficulty in using the technique.

Artrodese subtalar do pé pelo método de Ilizarov

Foram tratados 28 pacientes num total de 29 pés, com idade média de 25,8, predomínio do sexo masculino 16 pacientes (57,2%), cor branca 25 pacientes (89,2%), lado direito 16 pacientes (57,2%). Quanto à etiologia houve um predomínio das seqüelas de fraturas de calcâneo 11 pacientes (37,9%) e poliomielite 11 pacientes (37,9%), as outras causas foram necrose do talus 2 pacientes (6,9%), barra óssea 2 pacientes (6,9%), artrose primária 2 pacientes (6,9%) e paralisia cerabral 1 paciente (3,5%). O tempo médio de consolidação foi de 3,5 meses. Foram utilizados enxerto ósseo em 11 pacientes (44%). Houve necessidade em 2 casos (6,9%) de se promover o alongamento do calcâneo para se aumentar o pitch do mesmo. A montagem é simples e se baseia em 2 anéis com fixação transóssea através de 2 fios olivados no talus e 2 no calcâneo. Como resultado foi obtido 100% de consolidação, ausência de dor e osteoporose e boa sensibilidade do pé. Das complicações encontradas além das costumeiras ou próprias do método 1 (3,5%) paciente apresentou infecção profunda em 1 dos fios. O método mostrou-se eficiente independente da etiologia com 100% de consolidação além de permitirem uma certa independência ao paciente durante o tratamento.