Antibacterial surface coatings of fracture fixation implants

Abstract

Infection after internal fixation of fractures is one of its most common complications, which can lead to delayed fracture healing, non-union of fractures and even bone infection and osteomyelitis, causing a heavy burden to patients’ families and society. In recent years, based on the concept of topical antimicrobial agents, scholars have proposed the method of antimicrobial coating on the material surfaces for internal fixation to treat and prevent postoperative infections associated with internal fixation. The antimicrobial mechanisms of surface coatings can be broadly classified into 3 categories, including antiadhesive coatings, silver (Ag) ion coatings, and antibiotic coatings. In this study, their advantages and disadvantages are described in detail to provide a novel insight and theoretical basis for the improvement of antimicrobial coatings in the future.