LONG-TERM IMPLANTATION OF GENTAMICIN POLYMETHYLMETHACRYLATE ANTIBIOTIC BEADS

Fifty-two chronic osteomyelitis patients treated with gentamicin-polym ethylmethacrylate (Septopal) antibiotic bead chains were observed retr ospectively to explore the relationship between the duration of bead i mplantation and clinical results. Group A contained 35 asymptomatic pa tients who had elective bead removal based on protocol, surgeon's pref erence, and patient variables. Group B consisted of 17 patients who re tained the antibiotic beads. The presence or absence of redness, absce ss, drainage, pain, or swelling at the wound site was documented for c linical evaluation. Findings indicate that Septopal bead chain implant s exhibit higher success (remission) rates with increasing length of d uration without increasing the risk of complications.