Topical therapy in orthopedic infection.
An improved method of closed irrigation-suction treatment of bone and joint infections is described. The method utilizes a new irrigation suction system that prevents obstruction of the tube. A series of 232 patients with acute and chronic bone and joint infections was treated with closed irrigation in 256 closed irrigation-suction procedures. Of these, 226 (88.3%) were treated successfully, seven (2.7%) were improved, and 23 (9.0%) were failures. Blood concentration levels of antibiotics were examined during closed irrigation. Absorption of antibiotics from the wound was insignificant. Culture and sensitivity tests of drainage during closed irrigation were used to monitor the cleansing of the wound. Serum hepatitis was seen in four cases within the hematogenous group and in three cases within the traumatic group. Postoperative bleeding during irrigation was an important complication.
M
M
Kawashima
H
H
Tamura