Bactericidal micron-thin sol-gel films prevent pin tract and periprosthetic infection.

ABSTRACT Orthopedic injuries constitute the majority of wounds sustained by U.S. soldiers in recent conflicts. The risk of infection is considerable with fracture fixation devices. In this pilot study, we examined the use of unique bactericidal micron-thin sol–gel films on fracture fixation devices and their ability to prevent and eradicate infections. External fixation was studied with micron-thin sol–gel coated percutaneous pins releasing triclosan and inserted medially into rabbit tibiae. A total of 11 rabbits received percutaneous pins that were either uncoated or sol–gel/triclosan coated. Internal fracture fixation was also studied using sol–gel coated intramedullary (IM) nails releasing vancomycin in the intramedullary tibiae. Six sheep received IM nails that were coated with a sol–gel film that either contained vancomycin or did not contain vancomycin. All animals were challenged with Staphylococcus aureus around the implant. Animals were euthanized at 1 month postoperative. Rabbits receiving tricl...