Antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer as definitive management for osteomyelitis.

Journal: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published:
Abstract

Background: Osteomyelitis is a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. There is a lack of scientific evidence to guide treatment. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcome of unplanned retention of antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer (ACS) in the management of osteomyelitis.

Methods: Eight patients (7 with tibial infections and 1 with a calcaneal infection) with osteomyelitis received radical debridement and insertion of an ACS into the bone defect as the definitive management. The mean follow-up period was 2 years (6 months to 4 years). All of these patients had a cement spacer in place.

Results: No patient exhibited radiographic evidence of excessive bone loss. The patients reported no or occasional mild pain and exhibited complete weight-bearing abilities, with the exception of one patient who required a crutch because of a spinal cord injury. Signs of recurrence of the osteomyelitis were not noted in any of the patients, and no fractures occurred at last follow-up.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that a proportion of patients with unplanned retention of ACS appear to function well without necessarily requiring further surgical intervention.

Authors
Xu-sheng Qiu, Xin Zheng, Hong-fei Shi, Yan-cheng Zhu, Xia Guo, Hai-jun Mao, Guang-yue Xu, Yi-xin Chen
Relevant Conditions

Osteomyelitis