ROLE OF ANTIBIOTIC BEADS IN MANAGEMENT OF COMPOUND FRACTURE LONG BONES

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess role of antibiotic beads in the management of compound fracture long bone. Methods: Twenty-four patients with compound long bone fracture (Grade II, IIIA, and IIIB) operated with initial debridement, fracture stabilization, and antibiotic coated beads. All patients were followed-up till at least 6 months. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically for functional outcome. Results: Seventeen patients (71%) were male while 7 patients (29%) were female. Mean age at the time of surgery was 34.5 years (Range: 20– 70 years). Sixteen patients had fracture on the right side while the eight patients had on the left side. Sixteen patients had Type II compound injury (67%), five patients had Type IIIA (21%), and three patients had Type IIIB compound injury (12%). The average time of union was 16 weeks in 6 patients (26.06%), 12–14 weeks in 8 patients (34.78%) and 18–22 weeks in 9 patients (39.14%). Out of 24 cases, only one case had superficial infection, one case has deep infection, three patients had raw skin area, one patient developed post-operative knee stiffness, and another had 1 cm limb shortening. Functional outcome is seen as six patients with excellent outcome, eight patients with fair outcome, nine patients with good outcome, and one patient had poor outcome. Conclusion: The study concludes the use of antibiotic coated beads in compound fracture significantly reduces the infection in compound fracture of Grade II, Grade IIIA, and IIIB. Antibiotic impregnated beads delivers higher concentration of local antibiotics to wound site which helps in hastening recovery of wound. This reduces hospital stay and morbidity.