The effect of demineralized bone matrix-calcium sulfate with vancomycin on calcaneal fracture healing and infection rates: a prospective study.
BACKGROUND
Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures may have a central cancellous bone defect area. We hypothesized that human demineralized bone matrix (DBM) calcium sulfate (CaSO(4)) might act as a reasonable alternative to autograft in calcaneal fractures. When combined with antibiotic powder, this bone graft substitute also may act as a local antibiotic delivery device. This is the first clinical study evaluating bone healing and complications associated with DBM-calcium sulfate bone graft substitute in the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with a central cancellous bone defect.


METHODS
Over a 29-month period, 33 displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with central cancellous defects were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and grafting with vancomycin/DBM-calcium sulfate bone graft substitute. Eleven fractures without bone defects were treated with ORIF only. Patient demographics, medical history, and CT fracture classification were recorded. Postoperatively, fractures were monitored every 2 weeks for healing and complications.


RESULTS
The mean time to union was 8.2 weeks in the grafted, while the control group mean time to union was 10.4 weeks (p = 0.0117). Wound problems occurred in five (15%) of the 33 patients with grafting, all in type III fractures with severe soft-tissue swelling, and included two minor wound healing delays, and three serious wound problems. At a mean followup time of 22.4 months, no DBM-calcium sulfate grafted calcaneus demonstrated evidence of osteomyelitis.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study examining human DBM-calcium sulfate bone graft substitute to treat displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Based on these initial data, human DBM-calcium sulfate acted as an acceptable and safe autograft alternative in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with moderate (5 cc to 10 cc) central cancellous bone defects.
Bibbo
Christopher
C
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Marshfield Clinic, 1000 North Oak Avenue, WI 54449, USA. bibbo.Christopher@marshfieldclinic.org.
Patel
Dipak V
DV
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001857:Bone Matrix / Q000637:transplantation*; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D002133:Calcium Sulfate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000187:drug effects; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D014640:Vancomycin; D002133:Calcium Sulfate