THE USE OF ABSORBABLE CALCIUM SULPHATE FOR LOCAL ANTIBIOTIC DELIVERY IN SKELETAL INFECTIONS WITH METALWORK

A multimodality approach is needed for management of infected joint replacement prostheses and infected skeletal metalwork. We present our results in six patients managed surgically with standard techniques, with the addition of a local antibiotic delivery system using absorbable Calcium Sulphate beads.A retrospective study was undertaken of 6 patients with established musculoskeletal infection in relation to existing metalwork. Two patients had infection in the hip replacement prosthesis, three had infected prosthetic knee joints and one had infection in a femoral locking plate. All were treated with extensive debridement, revision / retention of implants, parenteral antibiotics and local antibiotics.Patients were followed up in clinic for resolution of inflammatory markers and subsidence of signs of infection. Control of infection was achieved in five patients at average 19 months followup. One patient had persistent infection and has undergone further surgery.In this preliminary study, we found local a...