The antibiotic bead pouch – a useful technique for temporary soft tissue coverage, infection prevention and therapy in trauma surgery

Abstract

Abstract. Soft tissue defects resulting from trauma and musculoskeletal infections can complicate surgical treatment. Appropriate temporary coverage of these defects is essential to achieve the best outcomes for necessary plastic soft tissue defect reconstruction. The antibiotic bead pouch technique is a reasonable surgical approach for managing temporary soft tissue defects following adequate surgical debridement. This technique involves the use of small diameter antibiotic-loaded bone cement beads to fill the dead space created by debridement. By applying antibiotics to the bone cement and covering the beads with an artificial skin graft, high local dosages of antibiotics can be achieved, resulting in the creation of a sterile wound that offers the best starting position for soft tissue and bone defect reconstruction. This narrative review describes the rationale for using this technique, including its advantages and disadvantages, as well as pearls and pitfalls associated with its use in daily practice. In addition, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the literature that has been published since the technique was introduced in surgical practice.

Evaluating the efficacy of combined flap coverage, antibiotic‐loaded bone cement and negative pressure irrigation in traumatic osteomyelitis management

“…However, our research provides more concrete evidence on the efficacy of combining NPWT with antibiotic‐loaded bone cement and flap coverage, highlighting a comprehensive approach towards traumatic osteomyelitis management. Rupp et al 37 focus on the antibiotic bead pouch technique for temporary soft tissue defects and infection management in trauma surgery. Their approach aligns with our use of antibiotic‐loaded bone cement, yet our study extends the concept by integrating this technique with flap coverage and NPWT, providing a more holistic treatment strategy for traumatic osteomyelitis and soft tissue defects.…”