[Bioactive Glass-ceramic ATB Carrier Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis.]

Since 1993 the authors have applied in the surgical treatment of chronic osteomyelitis bioactive glass-ceramic material BAS-0 and BAS-HA for filling the osteomyelitic cavity in 20 patients. Prior to the operation the glass-ceramic material was saturated with ATB solution (Bycomycin, Lycomycin). At the same time ATB were administered also in general. The most suitable for the given purpose is the porous form of the mentioned materials. Due to the lack of porous glass-ceramics, dense material was used with 15 % apparent porosity in 11 patients and a combination of fine cullet of BAS-0 and BAS-HA and Beriplast fibrin glue in 4 patients. 19 patients were followed up, the best result was achieved in the application of porous material when all 4 patients healed. The period of follow up in these patients is 4 years and 7 months. After the application of dense material more than 50 % of patients healed. A worse result was recorded in the application of the combination of BAS-0 and BAS-HA with Beriplast. Three reoperations were performed. The authors discuss the pros and cons of the application of the mentioned materials in the treatment of osteomyelitic cavities and their prospect for the future. Key words: chronic osteomyelitis, bioactive glass-ceramics, ATB carrier.