Osteomyelitis treatment in New Zealand white rabbit using hydroxyapatite or calcium sulphate containing gentamicin

Abstract

Treatment of osteomyelitis is still a major problem in orthopaedic field. New Zealand White rabbit is acceptable experimental model described to develop effective local delivery of antibiotics for osteomyelitis treatment as it can mimics the disease process in human. The objectives of this study are to create osteomyelitis in rabbit and to compare the treatment given via calcium sulphate or hydroxyapatite containing gentamicin beads. In this study, osteomyelitis is created by inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus into rabbit’s distal femur. After three weeks, local antibiotic with carrier either calcium sulphate or hydroxyapatite containing gentamicin was inserted to the affected femur with 12 animals in each group. The plain radiograph of femur and culture was taken to assess the healing at three, six or twelve weeks according to the group. Osteomyelitic changes were seen in all rabbit after inoculation of bacteria at three weeks. There was significant weight reduction after osteomyelitis (CaSO4; t=2.55, P=0.03, HA; t=2.17, P=0.05), and after treatment for 12 weeks in both groups (t=6.93, P=0.001). The radiographic results (?2=61.00, p=0.001) and culture (t=13.85, P=0.001) also showed significant bone healing after treatment at 12 weeks in both groups. CONCLUSION: Calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite containing gentamicin gives similar effect in the treatment of osteomyelitis in rabbit model.