Posttraumatic Osteomyelitis Research Articles

The Dynamics of Immunological Indices in Patients with Posttraumatic Osteomyelitis and Trophic Disoders of the Shin Tissues

Summary. The article deals with the study of immune status of patients with osteomyelitis and trophic disorders of the shin tissues.
 Objective: to evaluate the immune status of patients with shin-bone osteomyelitis and distrophic processes, and to study dynamics of immunological indices after surgical interventions (clearing and reconstructive restoring surgeries).
 Materials and Methods. The immune status of 52 patients with posttraumatic osteomyelitis and trophic disorders of the shin tissues was studied. Clinical, immunological, and statistical research methods were used.
 Results. The study revealed changes in immune defence and in trophic processes in tissues (bones, skin, and muscles) of the damaged extremity. Thus, the presence of changes in the immune status was established: a decrease in the number of T-lymphocytes, T-helpers, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, as well as changes in the humoral immune system – a decrease in immunoglobulins M and G levels and an increace in the level of circulating immune complexes.
 Conclusions. Changes in systemic immunity and local trophic disorders revealed in patients mutually aggravate the course of the pathological process and complicate its elimination.

Epidemiological Updates to Be Clarified of PTRLO in China: A 10 Years Multicenter Study

Background: We aimed to carry out a comprehensive multiple-center epidemiological study of post-traumatic related limb osteomyelitis (PTRLO) in China. Methods: Approved by the Institutional Research Board (IRB), 3,526 PTRLO patients were identified from 212,394 traumatic limb fracture patients from 21 hospitals between January 1st, 2008- December 31st, 2017 to conduct an epidemiological retrospective analysis, which includes dynamic changes of infection rate (IR), pathogens, infection risk factors, and antibiotics resistant and sensitivity during the past decade. Findings: The IR of PTRLO gradually increased from 0.93% to 2.16% (Z=14.392, p 0.05). The dominant strains of GP are MSSA (17.03%), MRSA (10.46%), E. faecalis (5.19%), and S. epidermidis (4.87%). The dominant strains of GN are Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (10.92%), E. cloacae (10.34%), E.coli (9.47%), Acinetobacter Baumannii (7.92%) & Klebsiella Pneumoniae (3.33%). Overall, the high-risk factors of PI are open-fracture (odds ratio, 2.223), hypoproteinemia (odds ratio, 2.328), and multiple fractures (odds ratio, 1.465). The antibiotic-resistance and sensitivity analysis of the pathogens could be influenced by the complications or comorbidities. Interpretation: The current study demonstrates the epidemiology of PTRLO of a patient population in China, and provides a useful information for patient care and clinical practice. Trial Registration: The study is registered with the Chinese clinical trials registry (ChiCTR1800017597). Funding: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Technological Innovation Projects of Southwest Hospital of China, and AO Trauma Clinical Priority Program on Bone Infection. Declaration of Interests: All other authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Approved by the Institutional Research Board (IRB)

Treatment of posttraumatic patella osteomyelitis with MRSA infection and knee stiffness: a case report

BackgroundPosttraumatic patella osteomyelitis is rare, and the treatment of osteomyelitis remains to be challenging. Control of the infection commonly costs a long time, and it is easily to cause knee stiffness. In addition, there is no unified protocol for the treatment of knee stiffness.Case presentationWe reported a case of posttraumatic patella osteomyelitis that successive infected with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) after multiple surgeries. We successfully treated osteomyelitis by one-staged surgery, but the patient present knee stiffness after treatment. Thus Ilizarov external fixation system was further used to gradually adjust the mobility by exerting mechanical stress to the joint. After adjusting the frame under a scheduled plan, the patient successfully restored satisfactory knee function.ConclusionsAdequate debridement is the key to control infections of posttraumatic osteomyelitis. Control the infection of posttraumatic patella osteomyelitis by one-staged surgery is achievable and could shorten the knee immobilization period. When knee stiffness occurs, scheduled range of motion (ROM) adjustment using Ilizarov frame with hinges might be a safe and useful method to restore function.

Use of porous custom-made cones for meta-diaphyseal bone defects reconstruction in knee revision surgery: a clinical and biomechanical analysis.

Although the practice of metaphyseal reconstruction has obtained successful clinical and radiological results in revision total knee surgery, off-the-shelf devices aren't an effective solution for all patients as they do not cover the full range of clinical possibilities. For this reason, during severe knee revisions, custom-made porous titanium cementless metaphyseal cones are nowadays employed as alternative to traditional surgeries. The aim of this study is to understand the benefits gained by the use of the custom-made cones against the performance of more traditional techniques, such as the use of cemented or cementless stems. Thus, a retrospective study on eleven patients and a biomechanical finite element analysis (FEA) was developed, based upon three clinical cases of the clinical analyzed cohort. Eleven patients underwent staged total knee arthroplasty revision with the use of 16 custom-made cones to correct severe femoral and tibial meta-diaphyseal bone defects. Clinical scores and range of movement were observed during the follow-up period (mean follow-up 26 ± 9.4months). Reason for surgery was periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in eight patients and post-traumatic osteomyelitis in the other three patients. Three patients previously affected by PJI were selected among the eleven patients of the clinical population. For those patients, bone geometries and implants during surgery were replicated in silico and analyzed during different daily activities. For the same patients, as alternative solution for surgery, the use of cemented or cementless stems was also simulated by FEA. Stress patterns in different region of interest and risk of fracture in the bone were calculated and compared. No loosening, component migration, or mismatches between preoperative planning and intraoperative findings were clinically registered. Biomechanical results demonstrated that the use of custom-made cones induces a more homogeneously distributed bone stress than the other two techniques that concentrate the stress in spotted regions. The risk of fracture is comparable between the use of custom-made cones and cemented technique, while press-fit configurations increase the risk of fracture (more than 35%). Based upon the clinical evidence and the findings after the FEAs, the practice of porous custom-made metaphyseal cones in severe revisions of knee arthroplasties is showing promising biomechanical results. The homogeneous stresses distributions and the lower bone stress gradient could justify a reduction of bone fractures and the risk of implant loosening which could be the explanation to the successful clinical outcomes.

Analysis of the Composition and Functions of the Microbiome in Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis Based on 16S rRNA and Metagenome Sequencing Technology

Metagenome sequencing has not been used in infected bone specimens. This prospective observational study explored the microbiome and its function in patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) and posttraumatic foot osteomyelitis (PFO) based on 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenome sequencing technologies. Spearman analysis was used to explore the correlation between dominant species and clinical indicators of patients with DFO. High-throughput sequencing showed that all the specimens were polymicrobial. The microbial diversity was significantly higher in the DFO group than in the PFO group. Firmicutes, Prevotellaceae, and Prevotella were the most abundant microbes in the DFO group. The most abundant microbes in the PFO group were Proteobacteria, Halomonadaceae, and Halomonas Prevotella denticola, Prevotella jejuni, and Prevotella fusca had positive correlation with the duration of diabetic foot infection (DFI_d). Proteus vulgaris was positively correlated with the infection index, while Bacteroides fragilis was negatively correlated. The microbial functional genes were more abundant in the DFO group than in the PFO group. Metagenome sequencing is feasible for the analysis of the microbiome in infected bone specimens. Gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes are dominant in DFO.

Trifocal bone transport by using monolateral rail system in treatment of bone defects caused by post-traumatic tibial osteomyelitis

To study the effectiveness of trifocal bone transport by using monolateral rail system in the treatment of bone defects caused by post-traumatic tibial osteomyelitis. The clinical data of 28 patients with tibial defects caused by post-traumatic osteomyelitis treated with trifocal bone transport technique by using monolateral rail system between January 2012 and June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 26 males and 2 females, aged 22-59 years (mean, 41.3 years). The causes of injury included 13 cases of traffic accident injury, 9 cases of falling from height, 4 cases of heavy object injury, and 2 cases of crushing injury. The disease duration was 4.5-17.0 months (mean, 7.1 months). The length of bone defect was 6.5-16.8 cm (mean, 10.3 cm). And the range of soft tissue defect ranged from 3.5 cm×2.0 cm to 18.0 cm×11.0 cm. The bone transporting time, external fixation time, duration of regenerate consolidation, and external fixation index were recorded, and the complications were observed. At last follow-up, the bone and functional results were evaluated according to the criteria given by Association for the Study and Application of the Method of the Ilizarov (ASAMI). All patients were successfully followed up after removing the external fixator with an average of 35 months (range, 24-65 months). The bone transporting time was 41-136 days (mean, 60.2 days), the external fixation time was 7.5-20.0 months (mean, 13.4 months), the external fixation index was 1.1-1.9 months/cm (mean, 1.4 months/cm), the duration of regenerate consolidation was 6.0-16.5 months (mean, 10.5 months). Pin tract infection occurred in 12 cases, delayed union on docking site was occurred in 9 cases, axial deviation was observed in 2 cases, poor regenerate consolidation was presented in 1 case, and refracture on docking site after fixator removal was occurred in 1 case. There was no recurrence of infection, amputation, vascular and neurologic complications, and osteofascial compartment syndrome. At last follow-up, according to ASAMI criterion, the bone healing results were excellent in 17 cases, good in 7 cases, and fair in 4 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 85.7%; the functional results were excellent in 15 cases, good in 10 cases, and fair in 3 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 89.3%. Trifocal bone transport by using monolateral rail system is an effective method in the treatment of bone defect caused by post-traumatic osteomyelitis which can reduce bone transport time, external fixation time, and complications.

A review of difficult-to-treat post-traumatic osteomyelitis: Role of Clostridium celerecrescens

PurposeWe reviewed the clinical features of post-traumatic infections produced by Clostri-dium celerecrescens reported in the literature. C. celerecrescens is an emerging pathogen involved in traumatic wound infection that progresses to deep infection and osteomyelitis. MethodsWe found only 4 cases reported in the literature with enough data to be analysed and we added our own case and experience with this type of infection. The identification was performed by matrix-assisted desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF) or API Gallery, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed to confirm identification in all cases. ResultsIdentification of the bacteria is discrepant according to the method used due to the genetic and phenotypic similarities of other species of the genus. Identification through MALDI-TOF and API gallery is not suitable for determining the specie, confirmation by 16S rRNA sequencing being necessary. Treatment of the infection included complex antibiotic combinations and surgical treatment together with skin and soft tissue dressings due to the persistence of the pathogen over time. ConclusionThis report supports the pathogenic role of C. celerecrescens in post-traumatic infections and the need to improve the management of these difficult-to-treat infections.

Local Wnt3a treatment restores bone regeneration in large osseous defects after surgical debridement of osteomyelitis

Impaired bone homeostasis caused by osteomyelitis provokes serious variations in the bone remodeling process, thereby involving multiple inflammatory cytokines to activate bone healing. We have previously established a mouse model for post-traumatic osteomyelitis and studied bone regeneration after sufficient debridement. Moreover, we could further characterize the postinfectious inflammatory state of bony defects after debridement with elevated osteoclasts and decreased bone formation despite the absence of bacteria. In this study, we investigated the positive effects of Wnt-pathway modulation on bone regeneration in our previous established mouse model. This was achieved by local application of Wnt3a, a recombinant activator of the canonical Wnt-pathway. Application of Wnt3a could enhance new bone formation, which was verified by histological and μ-CT analysis. Moreover, histology and western blots revealed enhanced osteoblastogenesis and downregulated osteoclasts in a RANKL-dependent manner. Further analysis of Wnt-pathway showed downregulation after bone infections were reconstituted by application of Wnt3a. Interestingly, Wnt-inhibitory proteins Dickkopf 1 (DKK1), sclerostin, and secreted frizzled protein 1 (sFRP1) were upregulated simultaneously to Wnt-pathway activation, indicating a negative feedback for active form of Beta-catenin. In this study, we could demonstrate enhanced bone formation in defects caused by post-traumatic osteomyelitis after Wnt3a application.Key messagesOsteomyelitis decreases bone regenerationWnt3a restores bone healing after infectionCanonical Wnt-pathway activation with negative feedback

Associations between Interleukin Gene Polymorphisms and Risks of Developing Extremity Posttraumatic Osteomyelitis in Chinese Han Population

This case-control study aimed to investigate potential associations between interleukin (IL) gene polymorphisms and the risks of developing extremity posttraumatic osteomyelitis (PTOM) in Chinese Han population. Altogether, 189 PTOM patients and 200 healthy controls were genotyped of IL-1α (rs17561, rs1800587), IL-1β (rs16944, rs1143627, rs1143634, rs2853550), IL-1RN (rs4251961, rs419598, rs315951), IL-4 (rs2243248, rs2243250), IL-6 (rs1800795, rs1800796, rs1800797), IL-8 (rs4073, rs2227306, rs2227307), IL-10 (rs3024491, rs3024496, rs1800871, rs1800872, rs1800896), IL-17A (rs2275913), and IL-17F (rs763780) using the SNaPshot genotyping method. Statistical differences were observed regarding the genotype distributions of rs16944 (P = 0.049) and rs4251961 (P = 0.007) between the patients and healthy controls. In addition, significant associations were found between rs16944 and the risk of PTOM development by dominant (OR = 1.854, P = 0.017), homozygous (OR = 1.831, P = 0.041), and heterozygous (OR = 1.869, P = 0.022) models, and of rs1143627 by dominant (OR = 1.735, P = 0.032) and homozygous (OR = 1.839, P = 0.040) models. Moreover, significant links were also identified between rs4251961 and the susceptibility to PTOM by dominant (OR = 0.446, P = 0.005) and heterozygous (OR = 0.409, P = 0.003) models, and of rs1800796 by dominant (OR = 4.184, P = 0.029), homozygous (OR = 4.378, P = 0.026), and heterozygous (OR = 3.834, P = 0.046) models. The present outcomes demonstrated that rs16944, rs1143627, and rs1800796 associate with increased risks, while rs4251961 links to a decreased risk of PTOM development in Chinese Han population.

Erratum to pathogen identification in 84 patients with post-traumatic osteomyelitis after limb fractures.

This corrects the article DOI: 10.21037/apm.2020.03.29.

Shorter Telomere Length in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes Is Associated with Post-Traumatic Chronic Osteomyelitis.

Background: This study investigated the association between post-traumatic chronic osteomyelitis (COM) and peripheral leukocyte telomere length (PLTL) and explored factors associated with PLTL in COM. Methods: A total of 56 patients with post-traumatic COM of the extremity and 62 healthy control subjects were recruited. The PLTL was measured by real-time PCR. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors in correlation with telomere length. Sex, age, white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and infection duration were included as independent variables in the logistic regression model. Results: Post-traumatic COM patients had significantly shorter PLTLs (5.39 ± 0.40) than healthy control subjects (5.69 ± 0.46; p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that PLTL had a statistically significant association with age (B = -0.072; p = 0.013) and CRP (B = -0.061; p = 0.033). The logistic regression model was statistically significant and explained 31.4% (Nagelkerke R2) of the change in telomere length and correctly classified 69.6% of the cases. Conclusions: Patients with post-traumatic COM have shorter PLTLs than healthy subjects. The PLTL erosion of post-traumatic COM was partially explained by age and CRP.

Pathogen identification in 84 Patients with post-traumatic osteomyelitis after limb fractures.

Chronic osteomyelitis is a serious complication of orthopedic trauma. Residual bacteria after incomplete debridement and/or bacterial colonization, bacterial biofilm formation, and generation of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains in the microtubule system of compact bones due to irrational use of antibiotics often make the condition more prolonged, recurrent, and refractory. The passive immunotherapy targeting the protein components of bacteria has become an area of intense research interest, for which identifying the bacterial isolates in different areas at different time points remains a key step. Few multicenter randomized controlled trials have investigated the epidemiological data of pathogens in different areas, and there is a lack of timely and dynamic data that can inform clinical treatment. A total of 5,268 patients with limb fractures were treated in our center from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2015, among whom 108 were diagnosed with post-traumatic osteomyelitis (PTO) based on clinical manifestations, imaging findings, and pathology. Bacteria cultures showed positive results in 84 patients. The clinical manifestations (including the infection site) were analyzed. The distribution and drug resistance of pathogens were analyzed and summarized based on the M-100-S22 protocol [Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute® (CLSI) 2012, USA]. The incidence of PTO in limbs was 2.1% (n=108), and the bacterial cultures were positive in 84 patients (84/108, 77.8%). The infection sites included the tibia and fibula (n=40, 47.6%), femur (n=20, 23.8%), ulna and radium (n=11, 13.1%), humerus (n=5, 6%), patella (n=5, 6%), and calcaneus (n=3, 3.6%). In total, 104 of the following bacterial strains were identified: 56 strains of gram-positive bacteria (53.9%), among which Staphylococcus aureus (n=39, 37.5%) and Staphylococcus epidermis (n=6, 5.8%) were the most dominant bacteria, with both being sensitive to ampicillin, quinupristin, linazolamide, tigarycline, nitrofurantoin, and vancomycin; 48 strains of gram-negative bacteria (46.1%), among which Escherichia coli (n=16, 15.4%) and Enterobacter cloacae (n=11, 10.6%) were the most common bacteria, with both being sensitive to thiomycin; mixed infections were detected in 18 cases (21.4%). The incidence of PTO in the Zunyi area is similar to the national level. The most common site of infection is the lower extremity. Bacterial infections (mainly infection caused by a single bacterial type) were observed in 77.8% of the cases. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogenic bacteria, followed by Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae. The antibiotic-resistant bacteria have characteristic distributions in different regions.

Plasma Cell Rich Osteomyelitis: A Rare Entity

Plasma cell rich osteomyelitis is a rare finding characterised by a plethora of plasma cells localised in the affected bone without the typical clinical features of infection. It usually affects the metaphysis of long bones with a radiological appearance as a dense thickening of bone without sequestrum formation. We present an atypical case of plasma cell osteomyelitis with a lesion in the metaphysis as well as the diaphysis of the humerus without sclerosis but with sequestrum formation. An 11-year-old girl was brought to OutPatient Department (OPD) with complaints of post-traumatic pain and swelling at left shoulder and proximal arm since one and a half months with aggravation of symptoms since last 10 days. Patient had also been treated for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) by a paediatrician who prescribed antibiotics and antipyretics because of which fever subsided but the pain persisted. The x-ray of left shoulder with arm revealed a fracture of surgical neck of humerus with cortical irregularity noted in the mid-shaft of humerus along with lamellated periosteal reaction suggestive of post-traumatic osteomyelitis with a pathological fracture. Clinicoradiologic diagnosis of pathological fracture of left neck of humerus was made with an underlying neoplastic or infective aetiology. An open biopsy was taken from left proximal humerus. Histopathological examination showed plasma cells in sheets having abundant basophilic cytoplasm, round to eccentric nuclei and perinuclear hoff along with lymphocytes and few polymorphs with surrounding area showing fibrosis, oedema and hyperemia. A diagnosis of chronic plasma cell osteomyelitis was rendered, which is an uncommon condition without specific clinical findings and an ambigious cause. Histopathology is the definitive tool for obtaining an accurate diagnosis and we strongly recommend a meticulous histopathological examination correlated with clinico-radiological description for a correct diagnosis in order to avoid an increased frequency of diagnosis of neoplastic plasma cell lesion as well as for advocating the correct treatment. This case is discussed for presentation of plasma cell osteomyelitis and also to report a case of chronic primary plasma cell rich osteomyelitis with atypical clinical features.

METHOD OF FORENSIC ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS OF TREATMENT FAILURE OUTCOMES AS AN ELEMENT OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL CARE

The aim: The aim of this research was to study causes of the development of adverse outcomes in isolated femоral diaphyseal fractures. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of the protocols of clinical and radiological examination of 21 patients was performed. Based on the initial expert assessment, these patients have not been established the severity of injuries due to the development of complications in the postoperative period. Conclusions: Patient-dependent, implant-dependent, and surgery-dependent causes that caused a violation of the stability of osteosynthesis (95.2%) were identified. This led to a secondary displacement of bone fragments (71.4%), delayed fracture consolidation (61.9%), the formation of pseudarthrosis (38.1%), the development of post-traumatic osteomyelitis (14,3), migration of screws from the osseous plate (47.6%), and the development of post-traumatic contracture of the knee joint (81.0%).

Clinicoradiological outcomes following single-stage treatment using external fixator, copious bone grafting and high dose antibiotics for infected postosteomyelitic nonunion of femoral shaft.

We aimed to study clinical and radiological outcomes following a 'single-stage protocol' in postosteomyelitic-infected nonunion of the femur in children. The report is based on a retrospective chart review (2010-2018) of 10 children below 12 years of age presenting with nonunion following a pathological fracture after osteomyelitis of hematogenous origin treated with above-mentioned operative modality. All patients were grade A (normal host) on the basis of the physiological classification. Patients with posttraumatic or surgical osteomyelitis were excluded. All patients were treated with a combination of debridement of dead bone and necrotic tissues, acute bone docking, use of external fixator and addition of copious nonvascularized autogenous bone graft obtained from fibula/tibia. The postsurgical period was covered by high dose broad spectrum antibiotics for 6 weeks. At follow up, union, infection, deformity, leg-length discrepancy, motion of hip and knee and ability to perform unaided walking was recorded. Mean age for studied patients (five males and five females) was 6.6 years. Average time elapsed since pathological fracture was 7.7 months (range: 3-15 months). MRSA and MSSA were cultured in three and four patients, respectively. Union occurred in all patients with average time of 3.7 months and total follow up being 2.9 years (range: 1-7 years). There was persistence of deep infection despite union in three patients. Average limb shortening was 4.3 cm (range: 2-7 cm). The knee motion was severely restricted (≤30°) in three patients. According to Paley's criteria, there were 2 excellent, 4 good, 2 fair and 2 poor results. Single-stage protocol as described above is a usable option for postosteomyelitic femoral nonunions in children. Union occurred in all cases. Healing occurred in three patients despite the persistence of infection. The restriction of range of motion at knee and limb length discrepancy was main complication encountered with this procedure.

Risk factors associated with recurrence of extremity osteomyelitis treated with the induced membrane technique

IntroductionOur aim was to observe the efficacy of the induced membrane technique in the treatment of extremity osteomyelitis and to analyse the causes of infection recurrence and its risk factors. MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 424 cases of extremity osteomyelitis treated with the induced membrane technique in our department between May 2013 and June 2017. Infection recurrence time, recurrence sites and other relevant information were collected, summarized, and analysed. ResultsA total of 424 patients were considered as “cured” of osteomyelitis after the first stage and the induced membrane technique was performed to rebuild the bone defects. After a mean follow-up of 31.6 (16–63) months, 52 patients had recurrence of infection, including 42 tibias and 10 femurs. The recurrence rate was 12.26%. Symptoms were relieved in 16 patients after intravenous antibiotic treatment. In the remaining 36 cases (8.49%), the infection was uncontrolled by intravenous antibiotics and surgical debridement was performed. The recurrence rate of infection of the tibia (16.22%) was higher than that of the femur (8.70%). The recurrence rate of post-traumatic osteomyelitis (14.66%) was significantly higher than that of hematogenous osteomyelitis (2.41%). Patients in whom Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated at the first stage had a recurrence rate of 28% (7/25), which was higher than that with the other isolated bacteria. Logistic regression analysis showed that repeated operations (≥3), post-traumatic osteomyelitis, and internal fixation at the first stage were risk factors for recurrence of infection, with odds ratios (ORs) of 2.30, 5.53 and 5.28 respectively. ConclusionsThe induced membrane technique is an effective method in the treatment of extremity osteomyelitis, although infection recurs in some cases. Repeated operations, post-traumatic osteomyelitis, and internal fixation at the first stage were risk factors for recurrence of infection. P. aeruginosa isolated at the first stage, tibia osteomyelitis, the presence of sinus, or flaps may also be associated with recurrence of infection.

IFN-γ +874T/A polymorphism increases susceptibility to post-traumatic osteomyelitis.

Immunological inflammatory reaction is one of the key links in the occurrence and development of post-traumatic osteomyelitis after microbial invasion. Growing evidence suggests complex interactions between IFN-γ and bone remodelling cells. However, potential association of IFN-γ gene polymorphism with susceptibility to post-traumatic osteomyelitis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential link between IFN-γ +874T/A polymorphism and risk of developing post-traumatic osteomyelitis. A total of 189 patients with post-traumatic osteomyelitis and 200 healthy controls were enrolled for genotyping using the SNaPshot genotyping method. Statistically significant associations were found between the gene polymorphism and the risk of post-traumatic osteomyelitis by dominant model (AA+AT vs. TT, OR=1.820, p=.017) and heterozygous model (AT vs. TT, OR=1.781, p=.029). Moreover, the frequency of mutant allele A was significantly higher in the patients than that in the healthy controls (15.07% vs. 9.25%, OR=1.742, p=.013). IFN-γ +874T/A polymorphism may contribute to the increased susceptibility to post-traumatic osteomyelitis.

Health Care Costs of Post-traumatic Osteomyelitis in China: Current Situation and Influencing Factors

BackgroundCurrently, very limited information is available regarding the economic burdens of patients with extremity post-traumatic osteomyelitis (OM). This study aimed to investigate direct health care costs and utilization for inpatients with extremity post-traumatic OM and analyze its constituent ratios and influencing factors in Southern China. MethodsWe searched in the electronic medical record system for inpatients who had received surgical interventions at our department between 2013 and 2016 for extremity post-traumatic OM. Data of direct health care costs incurred during their hospitalizations were collected in six main categories (service, diagnosis, treatment, materials, pharmaceuticals, and miscellaneous expenses). In addition, data of total medical costs for contemporaneous inpatients with non–post-traumatic OM were also collected as controls. ResultsA total of 278 post-traumatic OM and 10,420 controls were included. The median cost for the post-traumatic OM inpatients was $10,504 US dollars, 4.8-fold higher than that for those with non–post-traumatic OM ($2189, P < 0.001). The direct cost in the category of materials accounted for the largest proportion (61%), followed by that in pharmaceuticals (12%) and treatment (11%). The median number of hospital admissions for post-traumatic OM patients was 1 time, with a median length-of-stay of 22 d. The most influencing factors for the health care costs of the post-traumatic OM inpatients were use of an external fixator ($16,016 for those who used versus $4956 for those who did not, P < 0.001), external fixator type ($19,563 for ring fixator versus $14,966 for rail fixator, P < 0.001), infection site ($13,755 for tibia, $14,216 for femur and $5673 for calcaneus, P < 0.001), and infection-associated injury type ($12,890 for infection after open fracture versus $8087 for infection after closed fracture, P = 0.001). ConclusionsAn unexpectedly large proportion of the direct health care costs for inpatients with extremity post-traumatic OM went to cover an external fixator, with expenses for pharmaceuticals and treatment accounting for only a little more than the tenth of the total health care costs. Use of external fixator, external fixator type, infection site, and infection-associated injury type directly influenced the health care costs.

Utility of technetium-99m-methylene diphosphonate single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography fusion in detecting post-traumatic chronic-infected nonunion in the lower limb

This study aimed to evaluate fused images of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), stand-alone whole-body scintigraphy (WBS) and stand-alone CT in the diagnosis of post-traumatic chronic-infected nonunion osteomyelitis (OST) of the lower limb. The imaging data from 144 patients with known/suspected chronic-infected fracture nonunion in the lower limbs following internal/external fixation between June 2015 and December 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Technetium-99m-methylene diphosphonate SPECT/CT scans were performed on the patients. For each patient, the diagnosis on the basis of each imaging approach was classified as yes (OST), no (no OST), or equivocal by experienced nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists. An intraoperative bacterial culture experiment was conducted as our gold standard. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, κ coefficient, significance level, and agreement level were analyzed. The diagnosis on the basis of SPECT/CT fused images showed a sensitivity of 91.3%, a specificity of 84.6%, and accuracy of 88.9% compared to that based on WBS, with a sensitivity of 52.2%, a specificity of 15.4%, accuracy of 38.9%, and CT, with a sensitivity of 65.2%, a specificity of 23.1%, accuracy of 50.0%. The fused images can show the precise sites of post-traumatic chronic-infected OST. Considerable agreement (κ 0.679) was found between the SPECT/CT diagnosis and an intraoperative bacterial culture test (WBS, κ 0.218; CT, κ = 0.184). Technetium-99m-methylene diphosphonate SPECT/CT imaging fusion can improve diagnostic confidence for post-traumatic patients with chronic nonunion OST. This imaging approach can achieve an accurate diagnosis by revealing the precise location and scope of OST with high sensitivity and specificity, which has important implications for surgical guidance by providing the precise location of OST.

Post-Traumatic Septic Bone Sequestration in Three Dogs

AbstractFormation of discreet bony sequestra is reported in three dogs presenting with post-traumatic osteomyelitis with no previous history of orthopaedic surgery. Two cases had a presumed or confirmed history of dog bites, while the third case had a fracture treated conservatively. All three were treated with surgical debridement and sequestrectomy with good outcome.