The Use of Bioactive Glass S53P4 as Bone Graft Substitute in the Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis and Infected Non-Unions - a Retrospective Study of 50 Patients

Background Treatment of chronic osteomyelitis (COM) remains challenging and often results in large bone defects. Dead space management and proper defect filling are essential for successful treatment. Bioactive glass S53P4 (BAG-S53P4) is an anorganic bone graft substitute with antibacterial, osteoconductive, osteostimulative and angiogenic properties. The aim of our study was to analyse the outcome of patients with COM and infected non-unions, whose bone defects were filled with BAG-S53P4. Material and Methods In this retrospective study (07/1302/16), we analysed all patients with COM and infected non-unions, who obtained BAG-S53P4 after surgical debridement to fill their bone defects. Epidemiological data, pre-, peri- and postoperative characteristics were evaluated. The primary endpoint was the successful control of infection during the follow-up period. Secondary endpoints were the absence of BAG-S53P4-related complications, the time period to full weight bearing as well as to radiologically detectable incorporation of BAG. X-ray examinations were routinely performed 1 month, 3-4 months, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively. Results 50 patients were analysed. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen involved. On average, 11.1 +/- 6.7 cm(3) BAG-S53P4 were implanted. Mean follow-up was at 12.3 months. After 6 months, 26/37 (70.3%) and after 12 months, 35/42 (83.3%) of the filled bone defects were healed. X-ray examinations showed a thickened neo-cortex. 40 patients (80%) have achieved full weight bearing after a mean of 4 months. There were no complications at all in 76% of patients. Seven patients suffered reinfection. BAG-associated complications were not seen. Conclusions The use of BAG-S53P4 in patients with COM and infected non-unions is promising. Adequate debridement and proper defect filling are necessary. BAG is well tolerated. X-ray examinations showed a thickened neo-cortex. The antibacterial effect is not mediated by antibiotics and is advantageous in times of evolving antibiotic resistance. High quality studies with a longer follow-up are required.