Background Cerament V (CV) is a bioactive bone graft substitute with vancomycin as an antimicrobial agent designed for the management of bone defects and infections. In this retrospective case series, we aim to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients treated with CV for fracture-related infections (FRI). Methods All patients who received treatment for FRI and whose dead space and bone reconstruction management was solely done utilizing CV were included. The patients were recruited between September 2015 and September 2022. Data including patient demographics, primary diagnosis, surgical procedure, antibiotic therapy, microbiological results, complications, and follow-ups were recorded. Outcomes were assessed, including the percentage of bone void filling on radiographs, infection resolution, adverse effects, and patient-reported outcome measures by EQ-5D-5L. Results We present in this retrospective case series seven patients (three female) with a mean age of 56.86 ± 16.27 years. All patients underwent surgical debridement and bone grafting using CV. Antibiotic therapy was tailored to the specific pathogens isolated in each case. Infection eradication was achieved in five patients. On average, new bone formation was 81% at six months and 99% at 12 months. Patient-reported outcome parameters (PROMs) utilizing the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire were recorded at a mean follow-up of 42.00 ± 27.97 months with a median EQ-5D-5L index of 0.541 (range: 0.459 - 0.97) and a mean EQ-5D-Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of 62.20 ± 24.68. No major adverse events related to CV were reported. Conclusion This retrospective case series demonstrates the potential efficacy of CV in managing FRIs. The bioactive and antibiotic properties of CV appear to facilitate infection resolution and bone healing, with an advantageous safety profile. Larger prospective studies are needed to further investigate the utility of CV in orthopedic practice.

Open tibia fractures frequently occur following high-energy trauma. Contamination of the fracture site combined with limited soft tissue coverage and blood supply means that these open fractures are associated with a high rate of complications, including fracture related infection (FRI). FRI is associated with lowered patient outcomes and requires early recognition and appropriate surgical and medical management. The current evidence on FRI after open tibial fractures largely is limited to case series, small retrospective cohort studies and expert opinion. Recent expert consensus has produced guidelines with the aim of standardising care for these patients. This review summarises the current management strategies employed in treating FRI following open tibial fractures and where possible the evidence behind them.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a frequently reported complication after ankle fracture surgery. To our knowledge, no study has been conducted on its incidence in Sweden. The present study aimed to determine the incidence of, risk factors for, and most common causative pathogen of SSI.
METHODS: Patients who underwent primary surgery for an ankle fracture between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2019 at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital were identified. Data on potential SSI risk factors and clinical outcome (infected/non-infected) were retrieved from medical records. Cox regression analysis and descriptive statistics were used.
RESULTS: Of the 480 reviewed patients, 49 developed SSI (10.2%), of which 35 (7.3%) were superficial and 14 (2.9%) were deep. Open fractures (p < 0.001) and age (p = 0.016) were statistically significant risk factors for SSI in the univariate analysis. In the multivariable analysis, only open fracture was statistically significant (HR = 3.0; 95% C.I. = 1.3-6.9, p = 0.013). Cases of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were most common (n = 12, 24.5%). Methicillin resistance was uncommon (n = 2, 4.1%).
CONCLUSIONS: An incidence of 10.2% was established, which is comparable to international findings. Infection monitoring is an important part of tackling the global challenge of antibiotic resistance. Future prospective studies to further establish risk factors are warranted to decrease the incidence of SSI.

Fracture Related Infection (FRI) represents one of the biggest challenges for Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery. A better understanding of the microbiological profile should assist with decision-making and optimising outcomes. Our primary aim was to report on the microbiological profile of FRI cases treated over a six-year period at one of Europe\'s busiest trauma centres. Secondarily, we sought to correlate our findings with existing anti-microbiological protocols and report on diagnostic techniques employed in our practice. All adult cases of FRI treated in our institution between 2016 and 2021 were identified, retrospectively. We recorded patient demographics, diagnostic strategies, causative organisms and antibiotic susceptibilities. There were 330 infection episodes in 294 patients. A total of 463 potentially pathogenic organisms (78 different species) were identified from cultures, of which 57.2% were gram-positive and 39.7% gram-negative. Polymicrobial cultures were found in 33.6% of cases and no causative organism was found in 17.5%. The most prevalent organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (24.4%), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (14%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.2%), Enterobacter species (7.8%) and Escherichia coli (6.9%). Resistant gram-positive organisms (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus or vancomycin-resistant Enterococci) were implicated in 3.3% of infection episodes and resistant gram-negatives (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, ampC or carbapenemase-producing bacteria) in 13.6%. The organisms cultured in 96.3% of infection episodes would have been covered by our empirical systemic antibiotic choice of teicoplanin and meropenem. To our knowledge, this is the largest reported single-centre cohort of FRIs from a major trauma centre. Our results demonstrate patterns in microbiological profiles that should serve to inform the decision-making process regarding antibiotic choices for both prophylaxis and treatment.

UNASSIGNED: Open tibial fractures have a high risk of infection that can lead to severe morbidity. Antibiotics administered locally at the site of the open wound are a potentially effective preventive measure, but there are limited data evaluating aminoglycoside antibiotics. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a clinical trial to test the efficacy of local gentamicin in reducing the risk of fracture-related infection after open tibial fracture.
UNASSIGNED: This study is a single-center, pilot, masked, randomized controlled trial conducted at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute. Participants were randomized intraoperatively after wound closure to receive gentamicin solution or normal saline solution injected at the fracture site. Follow-ups were completed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year postoperatively. The primary feasibility outcomes were the rate of enrollment and retention. The primary clinical outcome was the occurrence of fracture-related infection.
UNASSIGNED: Of 199 patients screened, 100 eligible patients were successfully enrolled and randomized over 9 months (11.1 patients/month). Complete data were recorded at baseline and follow-up for >95% of cases. The rate of follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year were 70%, 68%, 69%, 61%, and 80%, respectively. There was no difference in adverse events or any of the measured primary and secondary outcomes.
UNASSIGNED: This pilot study is among the first to evaluate locally administered gentamicin in open tibial fractures. Results indicate a rigorous clinical trial with acceptable rates of enrollment and follow-up to address this topic is possible in this setting.

Pelvic ring fractures requiring surgical stabilization are severe injuries. Surgical site infections occurring after stabilization of the pelvis are serious complications, requiring complex and multidisciplinary treatment.
This is a retrospective observational study from a level I trauma centre. One hundred and ninety-two patients who underwent stabilization of closed pelvic ring injuries without signs of pathological fracture were selected for inclusion into the study. After excluding seven patients for having incomplete data, the final study group consisted of 185 patients (117 men and 68 women). Basic epidemiologic data and potential risk factors were recorded and analyzed by Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier curves, and risk ratios in 2 × 2 tables. Categorical variables were compared by Fisher exact tests and chi squared tests. Parametric variables were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis tests with post hoc Wilcoxon tests.
Surgical site infections occurred in 13% of the study group (24 from 185). Eighteen infections occurred in men (15.4%) and six in women (8.8%). There were two significant risk factors in women: age over 50 years (p = 0.0232) and concomitant urogenital trauma (p = 0.0104). The common risk ratio for both these factors was 212.59 (8.78-5148.68), p = 0.0010. No significant risk factors were identified in men despite younger men having a higher incidence of infection (p = 0.1428).
Overall rate of infectious complications was higher than in the literature, but this might be caused by inclusion of all patients regardless of surgical strategy. Higher age in women and lower age in men were associated with higher infection rates. Concomitant urogenital trauma was a significant risk factor in women.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal means of local antibiotic delivery for fracture related infection is unknown. Until now, intramedullary application of calcium sulphate based local antibiotics has been challenging. We report on the use of a newly available mode of preparation and delivery: the Stimulan Bullet Mat and Introducer (Biocomposites Ltd, Staffordshire, England).
METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for infection cases at two separate tertiary referral institutions was performed. We included cases of long bone FRI with a retained intramedullary nail, treated with a single stage protocol of metalwork removal, debridement, local antibiotic application using the novel mould and applicator, with additional bony stabilisation and soft tissue reconstruction where required.
RESULTS: All 13 patients achieved infection remission rate with an average follow-up of 19.7 months (range 12-28). All 6 patients with infection around an unhealed fracture achieved union at an average 8 months (range 4-12) from debridement. No patients developed aseptic wound leak.
CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic impregnated calcium sulphate can be used safely as part of a single stage treatment protocol for the treatment of long bone fracture related infection following intramedullary nailing. We have demonstrated high rates of infection remission and union, using a newly available intramedullary applicator.

Implant related infection is one of the most frequent complications in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. Local antibiotic treatment strategies are becoming part of the prevention and treatment methodology for this fearful complication. To date, there are two coatings available on the market, both with a polylactic acid base. Current evidence supports the use of these types of coatings in the prophylaxis of periprosthetic infections and fracture-related infections. However, their therapeutic use has been less investigated. The purpose of this article is to summarise recent evidence relating to the clinical application of antibacterial hydrogels and coatings in orthopaedic and traumatology surgery and indicating which future applications may benefit from it.

OBJECTIVE: Infections after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric femoral fractures are rare, but potentially life-threatening complications. There are limited data available to support decision making in these cases.
METHODS: A retrospective study of 995 consecutive operatively treated trochanteric fractures was made to find out different risk factors for infection and to describe the results of treatment.
RESULTS: 28 patients developed a surgical site infection (2.8%) after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric fracture. 15 patients (1.5%) had a deep and 13 patients (1.3%) a superficial surgical site infection. Cigarette smoking (p<0.05) and prolonged operative time (p<0.05) were significant risk factors for an infection. 15 of 28 patients needed revision surgeries. Implant removal or exchange was needed only for 4 of 28 patients: 1 exchange of the blade, 1 removal of additional cable used to assist reduction and 2 removals of distal locking screws. None of the patients needed additional surgeries for problems with fracture healing. Mortality was not increased among patients with an infection.
CONCLUSIONS: Infection after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric fractures can be successfully treated without removal or exchange of the fixation material.

BACKGROUND: Adequate debridement of necrotic bone is of paramount importance for eradication of infection in chronic osteomyelitis. Currently, no tools are available to detect the exact amount of necrotic bone in order to optimize surgical resection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of an intraoperative illumination method (VELscope®) and the correlation between intraoperative and pathohistological findings in surgically treated chronic fracture related infection patients.
METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with chronic fracture related infections of the lower extremity were included into this prospectively performed case series. All patients had to be treated surgically for fracture related infections requiring bony debridement. An intraoperative illumination method (VELscope®) was used to intraoperatively differentiate between viable and necrotic bone. Tissue samples from the identified viable and necrotic bone areas were histopathologically examined and compared to intraoperative findings.
RESULTS: In all included patients, the intraoperative illumination was deemed helpful to differentiate between necrotic and viable bone tissues during bony debridement. The histopathological examination of the samples showed good correlation of the intraoperative illumination findings with histopathological signs of necrosis for areas deemed dead and histopathological signs of intact bone for areas deemed vital during illumination.
CONCLUSIONS: The fluorescence-assisted, intraoperative detection of necrotic and viable bone using the VELscope® is an easy-to-use procedure that can help surgeons to optimize intraoperative bone resection in chronic fracture related infections by unmasking viable from necrotic bone tissue. This may help to improve resection techniques and eventually treatment outcome in patients in the future.