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An Improved Mechanical Testing Method to Assess Bone-implant Anchorage
Published on: February 10, 2014
[The bone reaction to the implantation of the corundum-vancomycin composite]
Marek Rusiecki1, Stanisław Pielka, Roman Rutowski
1Zakład Chirurgii Eksperymentalnej i Badania Biomateriałów Akademii, Medycznej we Wrocławiu.
Abstract:
Polymethacrylate methylene (PMMA) used as the carrier for antibiotic gentamycin (Septopal) shows today very limited effectiveness. Only 24% of the staphylococcus strains is still susceptible for it. In 1982 this factor was as high as 97%! Because of the growing resistance of different strains of staphylococcus, enterococcus and G(-) bacillus for antibiotics in present use, came into being the necessity for evaluation of the state-of-the-art antibiotic carrier of the new generation, which should be effective to destroy the resistant strains of bacteria. The porous corundum ceramics proved to be good material for this purpose, specially in use for bone surgery. During the laboratory tests it was confirmed that corundum ceramics could be soaked with the different antibiotics of the new generations. The bacteriological tests proved that corundum ceramics soaked with the Vancomycin show the highest possibly antibacterial activity. On the basis of those results we undertook the implantation test on animals. The implantation was carried out on 10 rabbits in which the samples of tested ceramic with Vancomycin were implanted into femoral bone. The investigation periods were set up for 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. On the basis of received results of macroscopic, microscopic and radiological findings we can stated that corundum ceramic with Vancomycin can be used in the treatment of bone infections.
Insights
Polymethacrylate methylene (PMMA) carriers for gentamycin are losing effectiveness against resistant bacteria. New corundum ceramic carriers soaked with Vancomycin show promising antibacterial activity for bone infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Polymethacrylate methylene (PMMA) antibiotic carriers, like Septopal with gentamycin, exhibit significantly reduced effectiveness (24% susceptibility) against staphylococcal strains compared to historical data (97% in 1982).
- Increasing bacterial resistance in staphylococcus, enterococcus, and Gram-negative bacilli necessitates novel antibiotic delivery systems for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a new generation antibiotic carrier for combating resistant bacterial strains.
- To assess the potential of porous corundum ceramics as a delivery system for novel antibiotics in bone surgery.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory testing of corundum ceramics soaked with various new-generation antibiotics.
- Bacteriological assessment to determine the highest antibacterial activity.
- In vivo implantation studies in rabbits, with samples inserted into the femoral bone.
Main Results:
- Corundum ceramics demonstrated the ability to be impregnated with different antibiotics.
- Vancomycin-loaded corundum ceramics exhibited the highest antibacterial activity in vitro.
- Macroscopic, microscopic, and radiological findings from rabbit implantation studies over 1, 3, 6, and 9 months supported the ceramic's utility.
Conclusions:
- Corundum ceramic serves as a suitable material for antibiotic delivery in orthopedic applications.
- Vancomycin-loaded corundum ceramic shows significant potential for treating bone infections caused by resistant bacteria.
