Inclusion of marbofloxacin in PMMA orthopaedic cement: an in vitro experimental study

M Cariou1, H J Boulouis, P Moissonnier

  • 1Department of Small Animal Surgery, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Maison-Alfort, Paris, France. mattcariou@hotmail.com

Insights

Marbofloxacin powder in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement retains antibacterial activity for canine osteomyelitis treatment. While effective, its potency against certain bacteria is less than gentamicin.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Osteomyelitis is a challenging bone infection in canines.
  • Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement is used in orthopedic procedures.
  • Antibiotic incorporation into PMMA can enhance local infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess marbofloxacin's antibacterial efficacy when incorporated into PMMA.
  • To determine optimal incorporation methods and concentrations for marbofloxacin-PMMA.
  • To compare marbofloxacin-PMMA with gentamicin-PMMA for treating canine osteomyelitis.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro study using gelose cultures of bacteria from canine osteomyelitis.
  • Antibiogram method to assess antibacterial activity.
  • Evaluation of marbofloxacin's resistance to PMMA polymerization temperatures.

Main Results:

  • Marbofloxacin retained antimicrobial activity after exposure to PMMA polymerization temperatures.
  • Marbofloxacin powder was the most effective form, with an optimal concentration of 1/40.
  • Marbofloxacin-PMMA demonstrated antimicrobial activity, though less potent than gentamicin-PMMA against Gram-positive bacteria and Pseudomonas.

Conclusions:

  • Marbofloxacin-PMMA shows potential for treating or preventing osteomyelitis caused by susceptible bacteria.
  • Further research is needed, including pharmacological, biomechanical, and clinical evaluations.
  • Marbofloxacin-PMMA may be a viable option for localized bone infection management in veterinary medicine.

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