ICS classification system of infected osteosynthesis: Long-term results

Osteosynthesis-associated infection in maxillofacial surgery by bacterial biofilms: a retrospective cohort study of 11 years

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine risk factors for osteosynthesis-associated infections (OAI) with subsequent necessity of implant removal in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 3937 records of patients who received either orthognathic, trauma, or reconstructive jaw surgery from 2009 to 2021 were screened for osteosynthetic material removal due to infection. Treatment-intervals, volume of applied osteosynthetic material, and respective surgical procedures were also assessed. Moreover, intraoperatively harvested microbial flora was cultured and subsequently identified by MALDI TOF. Bacteria were then screened for antibiotic resistance via VITEK system or, if necessary, via agar diffusion or epsilometer test. Data was analyzed utilizing SPSS statistical software. For statistical analysis of categorical variables, chi-square tests or Fisher exact tests were used. Continuous variables were compared via non-parametric tests. The level of significance for p-values was set at < 0.05. Descriptive analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

The lower jaw was more prone to OAI than the mid face region. Larger volumes of osteosynthetic material led to significantly more OAI, resulting in reconstruction plates bearing the highest risk for OAI especially when compared to small-volume mini-plates frequently applied in trauma surgery. Among OAI associated with implant volumes smaller than 1500 mm3, the detection of Streptococcus spp., Prevotella spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Veillonella spp. was significantly elevated, whereas implant volumes larger than 1500 mm3 showed a significant increase of Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. High susceptibility rates (87.7-95.7%) were documented for 2nd- and 3rd-generation cephalosporines and piperacillin/tazobactam.

CONCLUSION

High material load and lower jaw reconstruction bear the greatest risks for OAI. When working with large volume osteosynthetic implants, gram-negative pathogens must be considered when choosing an appropriate antibiotic regime. Suitable antibiotics include, e.g., piperacillin/tazobactam and 3rd-generation cephalosporines.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Osteosynthetic material utilized in reconstructive procedures of the lower jaw may be colonized with drug-resistant biofilms.

Traumatic Composite Bone and Soft Tissue Loss of the Leg: Region-Specific Classification and Treatment Algorithm

BACKGROUND

The management of traumatic composite bone and soft tissue loss (TCBSTL) requires a classification system and decision-making algorithm for the purpose of description, prognosis and choice of treatment method.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

between the year 2000 and 2017 a series of 254 cases of TCBSTL were treated using distraction histogenesis and external fixation techniques. The tissue loss was due to either the initial injury or debridement of infection. Adjunctive procedures included split thickness skin grafting and ICBG when indicated. A classification system was designed by the author. The classification is based on factors that influence management and prognosis; (1) stability of the host bone (intact tibia or a well-fixed fracture), (2) presence or absence of infection in the fracture site, (3) size of bone defect, and (4) contamination (infection) of the medullary cavity. A flowchart and decision-making algorithm was subsequently developed.

RESULTS

Ilizarov external fixator was used in all cases. Ten cases (4%) had combined Masquelet - Ilizarov technique. One hundred seventy five cases (68.9%) had gradual distraction-compression (GDC) technique; while 79 cases (31.1%) had acute shortening and re-lengthening (ASRL) technique. Seventy-two cases (28.3%) had autogenous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG). All cases (100%) had complete clinical and radiological fracture union. All patients completed the follow up that ranged from 24 to 118 months (mean 43.3 ± 23). The results were satisfactory in 212 cases (83.5%) and unsatisfactory in 42 (16.5%) cases due to residual leg length discrepancy, joint stiffness, and persistent pain.

DISCUSSION

the proposed classification is simple, applicable, recallable and includes most scenarios of reconstructable TCBSTL. The classification provides a basis for communication, description and evaluation of such cases. The algorithm, based on our classification, provides a guideline for management without over/under treatment.