Two-stage reconstruction using a vancomycin-impregnated cement spacer for finger osteomyelitis with bone and joint...

Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis are serious infections. Several treatment methods for the small joints and bones of the hands have been reported. We hypothesized that antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers could be useful for purulent finger osteomyelitis with bone and joint destruction.

Seven patients with finger osteomyelitis with bone and joint destruction were treated using vancomycin (VCM)-impregnated cement spacers. During the first surgery, a cement spacer was placed in the space created after debridement, maintaining finger length. Intraoperative specimens were tested for bacterial growth. Systemic antibiotic treatment was administered. A second surgery was performed 6-8 weeks after the first. After spacer removal, reconstruction surgeries were performed: arthrodesis using the Masquelet technique (n = 5), vascularized bone grafting (n = 1), and silicone implant arthroplasty (n = 1). We assessed the pathogenic bacteria, duration of antibiotic treatment, infection control, time to bone union, pain on visual analogue scale (VAS) (0 - 100), total active motion (TAM) of the affected fingers, and grip strength.

The pathogenic bacteria were methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and unknown in 3, 3, and 1 patients, respectively. Mean duration of antibiotic treatment was 6.4 weeks. In all patients, infection resolved without recurrence. One patient underwent joint arthroplasty; otherwise, bone union was achieved in 6 patients. Mean VAS score for pain was 0.9. Mean TAM was 147° for the index and middle fingers and 50° for the thumb. Mean grip strength was 86.4% of that of the unaffected side.

VCM-impregnated cement spacers could be useful for finger osteomyelitis, facilitating effective infection control and the maintenance of finger length, even in severe conditions.