RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of vancomycin-loaded calcium sulphate in the treatment of osteomyelitis. METHODS: We implanted vancomycin-loaded calcium sulphate into 24 patients with traumatic osteomyelitis who were treated in our hospital from February 2008 to February 2010,and then the antibiotic concentrations in the lesions were measured.Bacterial culture results,inflammatory markers,as well as wound healing were observed.X-ray was performed in the location where the vancomycin-loaded calcium sulphate was implanted.The blood vancomycin level as well as liver and kidney functions were determined. RESULTS: The vancomycin concentration in the lesion exceeded the effective therapeutic concentrations and the minimum inhibitory concentration,while the blood concentration was low.The liver and renal function remained normal.The safety profile was good,and the cure rate of osteomyelitis reached 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The vancomycin-loaded calcium sulphate can release high-concentration vancomycin in the diseased sites without causing high blood concentration.Also,it can guide the regeneration of bones.Therefore,it is effective and safe in treating osteomyelitis.