Abstract
This study has evaluated the effects of immobilization versus intermittent active motion on cartilage and on antibiotic efficacy in a rabbit septic arthritis model. Rabbits were infected and assigned to one of four groups: group 1, no treatment without immobilization (allowing intermittent active motion); group 2, cast; group 3, oxacillin without immobilization; group 4, oxacillin and cast. Animals were sacrificed 21 days later. Bacterial counts and lateral radiograms were performed. A radiological score was calculated. Immobilization had no effect on oxacillin efficacy and a deleterious effect on the radiological score. Intermittent active motion has allowed a better cartilage healing during the treatment of septic arthritis.
Highlights
Bone and joint infections due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus are frequent in children
After cutaneous disinfection by povidone-iodine, 1 ml of a bacterial suspension of S. aureus 108 colony forming units (CFU)/mL was injected into the knee cavity by the external parapatellar route
The animals were randomized to four groups: group 1, no further treatment for 21 days subsequent to articular lavage, and without immobilization that allowed intermittent active motion for the infected joint; group 2, spica plaster cast immobilization; group 3, administration of oxacillin 50 mg/kg IM three times per day for 21 days without immobilization; group 4, administration of oxacillin 50 mg/kg IM three times per day plus spica plaster cast immobilization for 21 days
Summary
Rabbits were infected and assigned to one of four groups: group 1, no treatment without immobilization (allowing intermittent active motion); group 2, cast; group 3, oxacillin without immobilization; group 4, oxacillin and cast. The animal model, derived from that of Salter et al [9], used female New Zealand rabbits weighing between 1.5 and 2 kg This choice allowed us to approximate hematogenous arthritis in the child due to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. The animals were randomized to four groups: group 1, no further treatment for 21 days subsequent to articular lavage, and without immobilization that allowed intermittent active motion for the infected joint; group 2, spica plaster cast immobilization; group 3, administration of oxacillin 50 mg/kg IM three times per day for 21 days without immobilization; group 4, administration of oxacillin 50 mg/kg IM three times per day plus spica plaster cast immobilization for 21 days. Day 21 Euthanasia was performed by the intravenous injection of a lethal dose (100 mg) of thiopental Lateral radiographs of both knees of each animal were taken, and samples for bacteriological studies were obtained from each infected knee.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
