Effectiveness of Vancomycin-Impregnated Bone Graft Substitutes for the Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis in Long Bones: Comparative Analysis

Background. Replacement of bone defects in the surgical treatment of chronic osteomyelitis is a key step to prevent recurrence of infection and potential fractures at the site of rehabilitation. Bone cement, biodegradable synthetic materials, as well as autologous, allogeneic, and xenogeneic bone tissue have become widespread in surgical practice. Giving these materials antibacterial properties will expand their use in the treatment of bone and joint infections, shorten the treatment time, and improve the patients’ quality of life. The aim of the study — to analyze the mid-term results of the second stage of surgical treatment for chronic osteomyelitis in long bones, depending on the type of used vancomycin-impregnated bone graft material: an original biodegradable mineralized material based on allogeneic bone or a commercially available biocomposite material consisting of β-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite. Methods. The study included 25 patients who underwent the second stage of surgical treatment for chronic osteomyelitis. After removal of the cement spacer, the defect was replaced in Group 1 (n = 14) with a biocomposite material ReproBone® Granules with the addition of vancomycin, while in Group 2 (n = 11) — with an original mineralized allograft impregnated with vancomycin. Laboratory tests, vancomycin concentration in the drainage fluid, and the presence of infection recurrence within 1-3 years after surgery were evaluated. Results. The groups did not differ in gender, age, and duration of the disease. The volume of the cavity defect was significantly higher in Group 2 (50 ml vs 14 ml; p = 0.0004). The vancomycin concentration in the drainage fluid from the first day after surgery in Group 2 was more than 10 times higher than in Group 1 (p = 0.0300) and remained at a high level until the 5th day. Osteomyelitis recurrence was observed in 14% of patients in Group 1 and was absent in Group 2. Conclusions. Standard approach to the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis using antimicrobial spacers does not ensure complete eradication of microbial pathogens that continue to persist in bone tissue. The original biodegradable mineralized bone graft material based on allogeneic bone creates significantly higher local vancomycin concentrations and demonstrates clinical efficacy in all applications.