Abstract
Purpose: Bone and soft tissue infections are among the least desired complications after orthopaedic surgery. This study analysed the in vivo effects of the local application of nano-silver particles (AgNPs) [1nm = 1 billionth of a meter] in soft tissue infections.Materials-Method: An experimental osteomyelitis model was formed by inoculating both tibias of 24 rats with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The rats were followed without treatment for 21 days. Blood samples and tibial x-rays at day 21 confirmed the development of infection. Then, the rats were divided randomly into two groups. One group (12 rats) underwent surgical debridement and received 21 days of teicoplanin therapy. The second group had the same treatment, with the addition of local nano-silver. All of the rats were sacrificed at day 42. Blood and wound swab samples were taken and the culture results were analysed.Results: No differences were observed between the groups in healing values at pathological examination, or in changes in the number of colonies at days 21 and 42. No differences in white blood cell count (WBC) were observed between the groups before and after the treatment.Conclusion: Although in vitro studies suggest the effectiveness of AgNPs on pathogens, we found that the application of nano-silver did not make any difference when used in addition to the classical osteomyelitis treatment with antibiotics and local surgical debridement. We believe that additional in vivo studies using repeated nano-silver application could be beneficial.
Highlights
The treatment of osteomyelitis is expensive and the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is resulting in longer hospital stays
This study analysed the in vivo effects of the local application of nano-silver particles (AgNPs) [1nm = 1 billionth of a meter] in soft tissue infections
Materials-Method: An experimental osteomyelitis model was formed by inoculating both tibias of 24 rats with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Summary
The treatment of osteomyelitis is expensive and the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is resulting in longer hospital stays. The rate of osteomyelitis has increased with advances in technology due to the increased use of orthopaedic implants in surgical procedures [1]. Several modalities have been described for the treatment of osteomyelitis, each with different advantages and side effects. The basis of treatment is intravenous antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement, including local antibiotic therapy, antibiotic-containing cement, bone grafts, antibioticsoaked sponges, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads, and antibiotic-coated implants [3]. Silver ions exhibit antimicrobial activity, having both bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects. The role of silver in the treatment of burns, urinary tract infections, central venous catheter infections, and chronic osteomyelitis has been demonstrated [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
