[Treatment of MRSA infection in orthopedic surgery]

Infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a major challenge both therapeutically and hygienically.

Between January 2000 and January 2002, 27 patients with MRSA infections were treated and evaluated in a prospective clinical study. For effective wound management, operative revisions were performed every 3rd day. Following debridement, the wounds were vacuum sealed and specific i.v. antibiotics were administered. Wound closure was performed if three consecutive wound samples submitted for bacterial culture remained negative.

All patients with MRSA infections were treated successfully until signs of infection disappeared and bacterial cultures were negative. An average of 7.3 operations per patient was required to eradicate MRSA infection. Follow-up of patients revealed recurrence of infection in four patients.

Prevention of further spreading and successful treatment of MRSA infections in reconstructive orthopedic surgery is possible with appropriate surgical and hygienic concepts. In almost every second patient complex revision procedures were required.