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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Treatment with Vancomycin Loaded Calcium Sulphate and Autogenous Bone in an Improved Rabbit Model of Bone Infection
Published on: March 14, 2019
[Investigation of tissue reaction of apatite cement implants impregnated with vancomycin]
Włodzimierz Juszkiewicz1, Stanisław Pielka, Jolanta Staniszewska-Kuś
1Zakład Chirurgii Eksperymentalnej i Badania Biomateriałów, Katedra Chirurgii Urazowej, Akademia Medyczna we Wrocławiu.
Abstract:
Investigation of biocompatibility degree of apatite cement as a carrier of antibiotic--vancomycin was the purpose of the experimental study. Investigation of local reactions of muscular tissue was carried out on 18 rats of Wistar type, by implanting samples of apatite cement with vancomycin in the dorsal muscles. Sections of the animals and microscopic investigations were made 7, 14, 30, 90, 180 and 270 days after the implantation. Investigation of local reactions of bone tissue were carried out on 12 rabbits of New Zealand breed, by implanting the investigated samples into the femoral bone in the region of trochanter. Macroscopic, radiological and microscopic investigations were carried out 1, 3, 6 and 9 months after the surgery. The obtained results of the investigations from muscular and bone tissue, were compared to the investigations in analogical tissues of apatite cement without the medication. In macro- and microscopic investigations in the early period inflammatory reaction of muscles was noticed to be stronger around the samples with vancomycin, in comparison to the control implant. In the later period there was no inflammatory reaction and a thin fibrous connective tissue surrounded the implant and a histological picture was similar, as in cases of an implant without the antibiotic. The local reaction of bone tissue both in the control and in the investigated group (apatite cement with vancomycin) was similar. In the early period the proliferation of rich cellular connective tissue, was noticed. In the later period starting from the 3rd month, formation of young bone tissue was noticed and only locally there were focuses of fibrous tissue. The process observed after splitting of the tested materials into bone tissue, was very similar to healing processes after long bone fraction. The carried out investigations showed, that tissue reaction after implantation of apatite cement and its composite with vancomycin, was very similar and showed a high degree of tissue biocompatibility.

