Outcome of antibiotics bone beads in long bone chronic osteomyelitis

Background: Chronic osteomyelitis of long bones is a challenging condition that requires prolonged antibiotic therapy. Local antibiotic delivery through bone beads has emerged as a potential strategy to improve infection control and promote bone healing. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic-impregnated bone beads in the management of chronic osteomyelitis of long bones in terms of infection resolution, bone healing, and functional outcomes. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Ayub Medical Hospital, Abbottabad, from January 2024 to March 2025. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis of long bones were included. Patients underwent surgical debridement followed by implantation of antibiotic-loaded bone beads. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed at regular intervals to determine infection eradication, bone regeneration, and overall functional recovery. Results: The study found that 85% of patients achieved complete infection resolution within six months. Radiological evidence of bone healing was observed in 78% of cases. Functional recovery, assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system, showed significant improvement in 72% of patients. Only 10% of patients required additional surgical interventions due to persistent infection or inadequate bone healing. No major systemic complications related to antibiotic beads were reported. Conclusion: Antibiotic bone beads proved to be an effective adjunct in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of long bones, demonstrating high infection eradication rates, improved bone healing, and satisfactory functional outcomes. This localized drug delivery method minimized systemic side effects and reduced the need for prolonged systemic antibiotic therapy. Keywords Chronic osteomyelitis, antibiotic bone beads, long bones, infection control, bone healing, local antibiotic therapy.