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Gentamicin and vancomycin do not impair experimental fracture healing
Abdul A Haleem1, Mark S Rouse, David G Lewallen
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|November 24, 2004
Summary
Gentamicin and vancomycin did not impair experimental fracture healing in rats. Biomechanical and radiographic assessments showed similar bone healing in antibiotic-treated groups compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Antibiotics are crucial for preventing and treating bone infections.
- Some antibiotics, like quinolones, have been linked to impaired fracture healing.
- The effects of gentamicin and vancomycin on fracture healing require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of gentamicin and vancomycin on experimental fracture healing in a rat model.
- To compare fracture healing outcomes in rats treated with gentamicin or vancomycin versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- Forty-one Wistar rats with bilateral femoral fractures were divided into three groups: gentamicin, vancomycin, and control.
- Antibiotic treatment commenced 7 days post-fracture and continued for 3 weeks.
- Fracture healing was evaluated using biomechanical torsional strength testing and radiographic analysis (Goldberg score).
Main Results:
- Mean serum concentrations of gentamicin and vancomycin were achieved.
- Torsional strength of fracture callus was comparable across all groups (gentamicin: 437 N-mm, vancomycin: 424 N-mm, control: 334 N-mm).
- Radiographic evaluation showed similar healing scores (gentamicin: 2.6, vancomycin: 2.6, control: 2.3).
Conclusions:
- This study found no evidence that gentamicin or vancomycin impairs experimental fracture healing in rats.
- Results contrast with findings for other antibiotic classes, such as quinolones.
- Gentamicin and vancomycin appear safe concerning bone healing in this model.