title: Biodegradable sleeves for metal implants to prevent implant-associated infection: an experimental in vivo study in sheep.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate biocompatibility of biodegradable sleeves containing antimicrobial agents, designed for local drug delivery to prevent implant-related infection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Synthetic polyester sleeves (a copolymer of glycolide, caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, lactide) were cast as thin films. The antimicrobial agents incorporated in the sleeves included gentamicin sulfate, triclosan, or a combination of these drugs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult sheep (n = 15).
  
  
  METHODS
  Two limited contact dynamic compression plates (LC-DCP) with or without sleeves were implanted on tibiae (bilateral) of 15 sheep. Sleeves were placed over the plates before implantation. Beneath half of the plates, 5-mm drill hole defects were made in the near cortex. Samples were harvested 4 weeks later for histology and microradiography.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Macroscopically, no irritation of bone or adjacent tissue was seen. Small remnants of sleeves were visible on histology, and positively correlated with the presence of macrophages and foreign body cells. Thick sections showed no difference between the test samples and controls in terms of fibrous capsule formation, periosteal remodeling, and defect remodeling. Inflammatory cells, macrophages, and foreign body cells were more prominent in sections with sleeves, but were not statistically significantly different from controls. Cell numbers were within normal physiologic limits normally seen as cellular response to foreign bodies consisting of polymers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The normal healing response indicated that the biodegradable sleeves demonstrate tissue biocompatibility.
authors.affiliation: Musculoskeletal Research Unit (MSRU), Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty ZH, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Stephanie C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: von Plocki
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Armbruster
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: Käthi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kämpf
authors.forename: Katalin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zlinszky
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hilbe
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kronen
authors.forename: Elliott
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gruskin
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: von Rechenberg
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D012756:Sheep / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents