Antibiotic Bone Cement Combined With Other Comprehensive Interventions in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis

Abstract

BackgroundDiabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is serious chronic complication that causes disability or death in diabetic patients. Antibiotic-loaded bone cement is an effective sustained-release system for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis and induces biofilm formation. This study aimed to valuate the outcomes and summarize the experiences of bone cement loaded with vancomycin combined with other comprehensive interventions in the treatment of DFO.MethodsOne hundred and twelve involved feet in 93 patients (43–92 years old) with DFO treated with antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with other comprehensive interventions were retrospectively analyzed. The durations of oral and intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization, ulcer healing times, recurrence and rehospitalization rates, and the rates of amputation above the ankle were evaluated at the last follow-up. One hundred and forty four pathogenic bacteria were co-cultured from the secretions of deep wounds from foot ulcers. The Maryland criteria were used to evaluate the recoveries of foot functions. ResultsEighty seven patients with 105 involved feet were followed up successfully over an average period of 14 months. All wounds exhibited good union on follow up, and DFO was cured. The average durations of oral and intravenous antibiotic administrations were 12.2 ± 1.5 and 10.8 ± 2.5 days, respectively. The average duration of hospitalization was 14.0 ± 2.7 days and the healing time for the ulcers was 37.8 ± 6.3 days. Rehospitalization presented in 21 (18.8％) foot ulcers among those with ulcer recurrence. No patients required amputation above the ankle. According to the Maryland criteria, 31, 45, 26, and three feet were rated as excellent, good, fair, and failures, respectively. Overall, 72% were rated as excellent-good. ConclusionsThe rate of amputation above the ankle was significantly reduced with the use of comprehensive interventions to retain foot function and improve quality of life. This management strategy in the treatment of DFO is effective and comprehensive comprehensive; therefore, it should be more frequently used in clinical settings.