title: Antibiotic cement-coated plates for management of infected fractures.
abstract: Deep infection in the presence of an implant after open reduction and internal fixation is usually treated with removal of the implant, serial débridement procedures, lavage, intravenously administered antibiotics, and occasionally, placement of antibiotic-impregnated beads. If infection occurs during the early stages of bone healing, fracture stabilization might be compromised after implant removal. Osteomyelitis, unstable owing to a bone deficit or fracture, was treated with an antibiotic cement-coated (tobramycin and vancomycin) plate. The goal was successful eradication of infection with the patient remaining infection-free for 1 year. Four patients were treated with antibiotic-coated plates for osteomyelitis and all have achieved successful union, clinically free of signs of infection for more than 1 year. One patient experienced a prominent and painful plate, necessitating removal. Based on our experience, early aggressive débridement coupled with broad-spectrum antibiotic cement-coated plate insertion, provides fracture stability and helps eradicate the infection with 1 surgical procedure.
authors: International Center for Limb Lengthening, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD. jconway@lifebridgehealth.org.
authors: Janet D
authors: JD
authors: Conway
authors: Lee M
authors: LM
authors: Hlad
authors: Samantha E
authors: SE
authors: Bark
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001860:Bone Plates; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003646:Debridement; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001843:Bone Cements; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible