Fracture reduction and screw position after 3D-navigated and conventional fluoroscopy-assisted percutaneous management of acetabular fractures: a retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Navigational techniques in orthopaedic trauma surgery have developed over the last years leaving the question of really improving quality of treatment. Especially in marginal surgical indications, their benefit has to be evident. The aim of this study was to compare reduction and screw position following 3D-navigated and conventional percutaneous screw fixation of acetabular fractures. The study hypothesis postulated that better fracture reduction and better screw position are obtained with 3D navigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative CT scans of 37 acetabular fractures treated by percutaneous screw fixation (24 3D-navigated, 13 conventional) were evaluated. Differences in pre- and postoperative fracture gaps and steps were compared in all reconstructions as well as the screw position relative to the joint and the fracture. RESULTS: The differences in fracture gaps and fracture steps with and without 3D navigation were not significantly different. Distance of the screw from the joint line, angle difference between screw and ideal angle relative to the fracture line, length of the possible corridor used and position of the screw thread did not show any significant differences. CONCLUSION: Comparison of 3D-navigated and conventional percutaneous surgery of acetabular fractures on the basis of pre- and postoperative CTs revealed no significant differences in terms of fracture reduction and screw position.

[Options for soft tissue reconstruction in pseudarthrosis]. / Möglichkeiten der Weichteilrekonstruktion bei Pseudarthrosen.

BACKGROUND: Pseudarthrosis can develop as a complication after conservative or operative fracture treatment and after elective orthopedic surgery. The treatment is challenging and is made more difficult when accompanied by large soft tissue defects or impairments in wound healing. In this case close and early coordination between trauma and plastic surgeons is crucial in order to develop a coherent and interdisciplinary treatment plan. METHODS: Due to the positive effects on bone consolidation and osteomyelitis, timely soft tissue reconstruction via a pedicled vascularized flap or free flap coverage should be preferred. If blood circulation in the affected extremity appears to be compromised, this should first be optimized by vascular intervention or bypass surgery. In atrophic, aseptic pseudarthrosis, bone and soft tissue reconstruction can be performed consecutively in one single procedure, whereas septic pseudarthrosis always require complete resection of all infected debris prior to wound closure. Examples of two commonly used free flaps are the latissimus dorsi muscle flap and the fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. As multiple variations have been described for both procedures, the reconstructive portfolio lists many additional options available for soft tissue reconstruction. Fasciocutaneous flaps should be preferred whenever bone consolidation requires additional surgical interventions in the future.

Analysis of prehospital care and emergency room treatment of patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury: a retrospective cohort study on the implementation of current guidelines.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the current study were (i) to analyze prehospital and emergency room treatment of patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and (ii) to analyze whether recommendations given by the current guidelines are implemented. SETTING: German level I trauma center. METHODS: All patients suffering from traumatic SCI who were initially surgically treated in our hospital in the period from January 2008 to December 2013 were included in this study. Available data documented as a standard procedure in our trauma center included patient's demographic and medical information, as well as trauma mechanisms, cause of injury, neurological diagnosis and detailed clinical information about prehospital and early hospital management procedures. Retrospectively, statistical analysis was performed to describe spinal immobilization rates, transportation times and methylprednisolone administration. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients (mean age: 50.5±21.2 years) met the inclusion criteria. Immobilization was performed on 69.9% of the patients with traumatic SCI. From 60 patients suffering from cervical traumatic SCI, 47 patients had a cervical collar. Full immobilization was only performed in 34 of these 60 patients. Mean time from accident site to emergency room was 61.3±28.7 min. In 25 out of the 133 patients included in the current study, early surgery was not possible because of insufficient circulation and/or increased intracranial pressure. A total of 108 patients could be prepared for early surgery within 322.8±254.1 min after the accident. CONCLUSION: The current study shows that recommendations of the current literature and guidelines are mostly followed.

CCL-2 as a possible early marker for remission after traumatic spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. OBJECTIVES: To describe the correlation between CCL-2, CCL-3, CCL-4 and CXCL-5 serum levels and remission after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in a human protocol compared with animal studies. SETTING: Germany, Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz). METHODS: We examined the serum levels of CCL-2, CCL-3, CCL-4 and CXCL-5 over a 12-week period; in particular, at admission and 4, 9 and 12 h, 1 and 3 days and 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after trauma. According to our study design, we matched 10 patients with TSCI and neurological remission with 10 patients with an initial ASIA A grade and no neurological remission. In all, 10 patients with vertebral fracture without neurological deficits served as control. Our analysis was performed using a Luminex Cytokine Panel. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the predictive value with respect to neurological remission vs no neurological remission. RESULTS: The results of our study showed differences in the serum expression patterns of CCL-2 in association with the neurological remission (CCL-2 at admission P=0.013). Serum levels of CCL-2 and CCL-4 were significantly different in patients with and without neurological remission. The favored predictive model resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 93.1% in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that peripheral serum analysis is a suitable concept for predicting the patient's potential for neurological remission after TSCI. Furthermore, the initial CCL-2 concentration provides an additional predictive value compared with the NLI (neurological level of injury). Therefore, the present study introduces a promising approach for future monitoring concepts and tracking techniques for current therapies. The results indicate that future investigations with an enlarged sample size are needed in order to develop monitoring, prognostic and scoring systems.

[Morel-Lavallée lesion : Severely injured 13 year old after being run over]. / Morel-Lavallée-Läsion : Schwerstverletzte 13-Jährige nach Überrolltrauma.

Accidents in which a person is run over are often associated with multiple serious injuries. Immediate bleeding control is crucial. Pressure and shear stress at the borders of subcutaneous tissue to the muscle fascia can cause hypoperfusion and the emergence of blood-filled cavities that are associated with a high risk of infection and necrosis, a so-called Morel-Lavallée lesion. Insufficient therapy can lead to local complications and furthermore to live-threatening sepsis.

[Three-dimensional correction of the thoraco-lumbar spine after sarcoma resection : An inter-disciplinary approach with free-tissue transfer]. / Dreidimensionale Korrektur der thorakolumbalen Wirbelsäule nach Resektion eines Sarkoms : Interdisziplinärer Ansatz mit freiem Gewebetransfer.

This article presents the case of a high-grade deformity of the thoraco-lumbar spine. The patient suffered from a sarcoma that was radically resected. Due to adjuvant radiation, the patient suffered from a radiation injury with chronic fistula. In a two-stage approach, the deformity was corrected by a closing-wedge osteotomy of L3 with elongation of the present dorsal spondylodesis (Th10-L4) to Th8 and the iliac bone. Soft-tissue reconstruction was achieved by a free latissimus dorsi flap that was anastomosed to an axillary arterio-venous loop. The presented interdisciplinary approach allowed an almost complete correction of the deformity and stable soft-tissue coverage.

[Intraoperative virtual implant planning for volar plate osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures]. / Intraoperative virtuelle Implantatplanung bei der volaren Plattenosteosynthese distaler Radiusfrakturen.

BACKGROUND: Digital planning of implants is in most cases conducted prior to surgery. The virtual implant planning system (VIPS) is an application developed for mobile C-arms, which assists the virtual planning of screws close to the joint line during surgery for treatment of distal radius fractures with volar plate osteosynthesis. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to acquire initial clinical experiences and to compare the VIPS method with the conventional technique. METHOD: The study included 10 patients for primary testing and 30 patients with distal radius fractures of types A3, C1 and C2, divided in 2 groups. In the VIPS group, after placement of the plate and fracture reduction, a virtual 3D model of the plate was matched with the image of the plate from the fluoroscopic acquisition. Next, the length and position of the screws close to the joint line were planned on the virtual plate. The control group was treated with the same implant in the conventional way. Data were collected regarding screw replacement, fluoroscopy and operating room (OR) times. RESULTS: The VIPS group included six A3, one C1 and eight C2 fractures, while the control group consisted of six A3 and nine C2 fractures. Three screws were replaced in the VIPS group and two in the control group (p = 0.24). The mean intraoperative fluoroscopy time of the VIPS group amounted to 2.58 ± 1.38 min, whereas it was 2.12 ± 0.73 min in the control group (p = 0.26). The mean OR time in the VIPS group was 53.3 ± 34.5 minutes and 42.3 ± 8.8 min (p = 0.23) in the control group. CONCLUSION: The VIPS enables a precise positioning of screws close to joint line in the treatment of distal radius fractures; however, for routine use, further development of the system is necessary.

[3D safety in osteosynthesis adjacent to joints]. / 3-D-Sicherheit bei gelenknahen Osteosynthesen.

BACKGROUND: The results and immediate consequences of intraoperative three-dimensional (3D) imaging in the treatment of AO classification type C fractures of the distal radius, the tibial head and the tibial pilon were analyzed and compared with published results on general intraoperative revision rates following intraoperative 3D-imaging. METHODS: In this retrospective study 279 patients with AO type C fractures of the distal radius (n = 84), tibial head (n = 109) and tibial pilon (n = 86) who underwent intraoperative 3D-imaging were included. The findings of the 3D-imaging and the intraoperative revision rates were analyzed and compared with previously published results of our working group. RESULTS: In 70 out of 279 patients (25 %) an intraoperative revision was carried out following 3D-imaging. The revision rates were 15 % for fractures of the distal radius, 27 % for fractures of the tibial head and 32 % for fractures of the tibial pilon. The most common reason for immediate intraoperative revision was the necessity for improved repositioning due to a remaining step in the articular surface in 51 out of 279 patients (18%). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative revision rates following 3D-imaging increased with the severity of the injury pattern. Intraoperative 3D-imaging should be routinely used in the treatment of fractures of the tibial head, tibial pilon and even in comminuted distal radius fractures due to the high intraoperative revision rates found in the present study. Alternatively, a postoperative computed tomography (CT) control should be performed.

[Standardisation of the Initial Treatment of Severely Burned Patients: The Necessary Transfer of Concepts from Trauma Care]. / Standardisierung der Initialbehandlung von Schwerbrandverletzten: Die notwendige Übertragung von Konzepten aus der Schwerverletztenversorgung.

The initial treatment of severely burned patients remains a huge challenge for first responders in emergency services as well as emergency doctors who do not work in a centre for severe burn injuries. The reason for this is the low number of cases in developed countries and a lack of training concepts for the specific aspects of the initial treatment of severe burn injuries. Because of guidelines with limited evidence (S1, S2k) and a lack of structured treatment approaches, uncertainties with respect to initial treatment are still visible. Even within the professional societies and on international comparison, controversial aspects remain. In contrast, optimised and standardised procedures are available for the treatment of severely injured (trauma) patients, based on PHTLS® (Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support) for preclinical and ATLS® (Advanced Trauma Life Support) for in-hospital first aid. This article takes stock of the current structure of care and the relevant evidence for the initial treatment of severe burns. Also it discusses a possible transfer and further development of concepts for primary trauma care by all disciplines involved. Nine essential steps in the primary care of burned patients are identified and evaluated. The need for the introduction of a uniform treatment algorithm is illustrated. The treatment algorithm presented in this article addresses all first responders who are faced with initial treatment in the first 24 hours outside of burn centres. As an essential, new aspect, it offers a transfer and adaptation of concepts from trauma care to standardise the care of severely burned patients.

[Percutaneous stabilization of traumatic spondylolisthesis in a child]. / Perkutane Stabilisierung der traumatischen Spondylolisthese eines Kindes.

A 12-year-old boy suffered a rare occurrence of a traumatic spondylolisthesis (L5/S1) without neurological alterations after being partially buried underneath a collapsing brick wall. Additionally he sustained a third degree open fracture of the left distal fibula and epiphysiolysis of the left distal tibia. A closed reduction and percutanous dorsal instrumentation L5/S1 as well as an open reduction and osteosynthesis of the tibia and fibula were performed. After 6 months the instrumentation was completely removed and an unrestrained range of motion of the lumbar spine and the upper ankle joint was regained.

[Postoperative implant-associated osteomyelitis of the shoulder: Hardware-retaining revision concept using temporary drainage]. / Postoperative implantatassoziierte Osteitis am Schultergürtel: Materialerhaltendes Revisionskonzept mit Einlage einer Dauerdrainage.

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic and postoperative osteomyelitis (PPO) is a subgroup of bone infections with increasing importance. However, to date no standardized reoperation concept exists particularly for patients with PPO of the shoulder region. Therefore the purpose of this study was to evaluate a revision concept including débridement, irrigation, and insertion of temporary drainage with hardware retention until healing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 31 patients with PPO were included with a proximal humerus fracture (n = 14), clavicle fracture (n = 10), or AC-joint separation (n = 7). In all, 27 of these patients could be followed for > 1 year. RESULTS: Hardware retention until fracture or ligament healing could be achieved in > 83%. Six patients required follow-up débridement due to recurrent infections, but then were unremarkable. Clinical outcome showed excellent Constant scores (91.6 ± 2.8). CONCLUSION: A cost-efficient, simple, and successful revision concept for patients with PPO of the shoulder region is described.

High complication rate after septic orthopaedic implant removal of the lower leg.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to determine predictive risk factors for revision surgery in patients with septic orthopaedic implant removal of the lower leg. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 196 patients with septic removal of orthopaedic implants after primary trauma of the lower leg between 2008 and 2012 were evaluated. Patients with endoprosthesis infection were excluded from this study. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (22.4 %) had infectious complications with revision surgery. We found 14 patients with soft tissue infections, 10 patients with osteomyelitis, 19 patients with wound-healing problems, 10 patients with pin track infections and two patients with fistulas. High complication rates were associated with severity of the initial trauma, localisation, and the state of union or non-union. Patients with peripheral arterial disease, anaemia and smoking showed a significantly higher risk for revision surgery; whereas patients with diabetes and arterial hypertension did not. A total of 22.6 % had open fractures as an initial trauma. In 76 %, bacteria could be detected. The complication rate was 41.2 % after initial open fractures and 19.6 % after initial closed fractures. A higher grade of soft tissue damage showed no increasing complication rate (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, complications after septic implant removal of the lower leg were evaluated and risk factors were determined. The awareness of the risks for complications after septic orthopaedic implant removal can lead to a better treatment for patients. Decision-making can be based on scientific results to prevent patients suffering from further severe disease progression.

[Intraoperative 3-dimensional imaging - beneficial or necessary?]. / Intraoperative dreidimensionale Bildgebung - nützlich oder notwendig?

BACKGROUND: With reference to two large retrospective studies we would like to make a contribution to the discussion whether intraoperative 3-dimensional imaging is only a helpful tool or state of the art for some special indications. METHODS: To answer this question the intraoperative revision rates of syndesmotic injuries and calcaneal fractures were analyzed over a period of 10 years and 8 years, respectively. Additionally, the clinical outcome was evaluated depending on the restoration of the joint reconstruction. RESULTS: Intraoperative revision rates of 32.7 % of 251 syndesmotic injuries and 40.3 % of 377 calcaneal fractures were found. The mutivariate analysis showed that residual joint incongruity leads to significantly worse clinical and radiological outcome of calcaneal fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Correct assessment of alignment and joint line reconstruction are not possible by means of fluoroscopy in every case of syndesmotic injuries and calcaneal fractures. Therefore, intraoperative 3-dimensional imaging should be used in the treatment of these injuries due to the high intraoperative revision rates and the clinical relevance.

[Digital X-ray: interhospital data transfer by CD-ROM. Prospective data evaluation during the import process]. / Digitales Röntgen: interhospitaler Datentransfer auf CD-ROM. Prospektive Datenevaluation während des Arbeitsprozesses.

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of radiological imaging diagnostics are archived in digital form. In addition to the results of diagnostics performed in hospital a growing number of patients present with digital results of outpatient radiological investigations. These digitized images represent a challenge for the internal hospital work flow. The aim of the study was to determine the expenditure for the hospital when dealing with digital outpatient diagnostic results. METHOD: Several parameters were observed and analyzed within the import process of nearly 400 CD-ROMs over a time period of 5 months. Only a negligible number of data on CD-ROMs could not be transferred into the hospital archive (1.5%). The duration of the process depended on the amount of data and the time period. RESULTS: During regular hours the import process took on average 13 min per CD and 19 min per patient while the time increased significantly during on-call duties. This study demonstrates the significance of the import of digital outpatient radiological diagnostic results into the hospital archive which can in particular influence patient treatment.

[The Ludwigshafen Osteoporosis Screening Questionnaire (LOS Questionnaire): result of the evaluation of anamnestic risk factors in osteoporosis diagnostics]. / Ludwigshafener Osteoporosescreeningbogen (LOS-Bogen) : Resultat aus der Evaluation anamnestischer Risikofaktoren in der Osteoporosediagnostik.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a major health problem worldwide and is included in the WHO list of the top ten major diseases. However, it is often undiagnosed until the first fracture occurs, due to inadequate patient education and lack of insurance coverage for screening tests. METHODS AND MATERIAL: In our study of 78 patients with metaphyseal long bone fractures, we searched for a correlation between anamnestic risk factors, bone-specific laboratory values, and the bone morphogenic density (BMD). Each indicator was examined as a possible diagnostic instrument for osteoporosis. The secondary aim of this study was to demonstrate the high prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with metaphyseal fractures. RESULTS: Of our fracture patients 76.9% had decreased bone density and 43.6% showed manifest osteoporosis in DXA (densitometry) measurements. Our modified LOS Questionnaire, identifying anamnestic risk factors, correlated highly significantly (p=0.01) with reduced BMD, whereas seven bone-specific laboratory values (p=0.046) correlated significantly. CONCLUSION: Anamnestic risk factors correlate with pathological BMD more than bone-specific laboratory values. The LOS Questionnaire used in this study would therefore function as a cost-effective primary diagnostic instrument for identification of osteoporosis patients.

Clinical long-term results of radial head arthroplasty in comminuted radial head fractures.

Modern radial head prostheses have recently become more common in the treatment of comminuted radial head fractures. The goal of this study was to evaluate how well the EVOLVE® modular metallic radial head implant prosthetic restores the functional range of motion and stability of the elbow. 30 patients with comminuted radial head fractures received an arthroplasty with an EVOLVE® prosthesis in our institution. 20 of those patients were available for long-term follow-up (mean > 10 years). The outcomes were assessed on the basis of pain, motion, and strength. The overall outcome was scored with functional rating scores. According to the Broberg-Morrey elbow evaluation score, after a mean follow-up period of 10.2 years, ten (50.0%) patients were rated as very good, four (20.0%) as good, six (30.0%) as satisfactory, and none as poor. In the long-term results the Broberg-Morrey score increased from 79 (in short-term results) to 89 points. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) outcome measure questionnaire showed an average of 16.2 points. Initially, patients had an extension deficit of 20°, which was reduced to 5° at the latest follow-up. In our long-term results, an improvement in the function of the elbow was observed after arthroplasty using a metallic modular radial head implant. Comminuted radial head fractures with elbow instability can be treated effectively with the EVOLVE® radial head prosthesis, which restores stability in acute treatment. Our long-term results after 10.2 years demonstrate good functional outcome and low major complication rate. IV.

Core decompression combined with implantation of a demineralised bone matrix for non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

INTRODUCTION: Core decompression is the standard surgical procedure in the treatment of early stage non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, there is still a debate whether decompression in combination with supplementary augmentation by bone grafts, growth factors, or cell implementation is superior to conventional decompression alone. This study evaluated patients after core decompression combined with an augmentation by a demineralised bone matrix, and particularly aimed to report long-term conversion rates to total hip replacement (THR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 14 patients with 18 hips suffering from ONFH (Ficat stage I-IIB) underwent this surgical procedure. All patients underwent radiographic and MRI investigations at baseline and at follow-up periods of 12 and 24 months. The clinical follow-up was done using the Merle d'Aubigné-score for an average period of 9 years after surgery. RESULTS: 14 of the 18 subjects (77 %) achieved at least a good clinical result after 2 years. The Merle d'Aubigné-score improved significantly after 12 (p = 0.0001) and 24 months (p = 0.0002). However, the MRI volumetric analysis showed an increased necrotic bone volume from 3.16 ± 0.54 to 3.88 ± 0.62 cm(3) (p = 0.04). Within 9 years, 13 out of 18 cases (72 %) required further surgery by THR. Only 7 out of 18 subjects (39 %) reported an ongoing postoperative clinical benefit, and would retrospectively redo the same surgical approach again. The five patients that did not require THR were still satisfied after 9 years. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with early- stage femoral head osteonecrosis core decompression combined with the implantation of a demineralised bone matrix leads to a limited, temporary pain relief as seen in core decompression alone. However, long-term results were not encouraging with a high rate of conversion to arthroplasty. Therefore, core decompression with implantation of a demineralised bone matrix may be not appropriate to avoid THR in the long term.

[Intraoperative 3D C-arm imaging. State of the art]. / Die intraoperative 3D-C-Bogen-Anwendung : State of the art.

Mobile C-arms with the option of 3D imaging like the Iso-C(3D) allow for intraoperative 3D visualization of anatomical areas with complex three-dimensional structures like articular surfaces. In an 8-year period we performed 1,841 intraoperative control scans following osteosynthesis. Among these patients we registered the number of intraoperative adjustments of fracture reduction and implant position in correlation to the area of surgery. The majority of intraoperative examinations in 1,841 patients was performed in fractures of the calcaneus (20.5%) and the upper ankle joint (13.2%). Altogether we improved the reduction or the implant position intraoperatively in 21.5%. The majority of intraoperative revisions was seen in osteosynthesis of the calcaneus (40.3%), the upper ankle joint (30.9%) and fractures of the distal tibia (29%). The rate of revisions over the time was very stable. Intraoperative need for revision of reduction or implant position is not a rare phenomenon in our experience. Intraoperative 3D imaging is a valid tool to recognize and adjust suboptimal reduction or implant positioning. Intraoperative 3D imaging can improve the quality of osteosynthesis especially in fractures of joints and complex anatomical areas.

[Results of nonunion treatment with bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7)]. / Ergebnisse der Pseudarthrosenbehandlung mit "bone morphogenetic protein 7" (BMP-7).

BACKGROUND: Complex patterns of impaired bone healing can result in a severe economic and social burden for the patient. Herein we describe the local application of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7). The goal of this prospective study is to review the indications, application and validation of this therapy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From June 2002 to June 2008, we applied 101 BMP-7 treatments in 101 nonunions of 98 patients. The average age of the patients was 50 years (18-88 years). The gender composition was 29 women (30%) and 69 men (70%). Before BMP-7 application, patients had already underwent surgical treatement an average of 3.3 times (median 3, 1- to 13-times). We used BMP-7 "off-label" in all long bones. RESULTS: In 93 cases (92%), we observed proper bone healing. The average healing time was 4.8 months (range 1.5-11 months). The average time from injury to BMP-7 application was 18.4 months (3-84 months). In 65 cases, BMP-7 application was combined with re-osteosynthesis and autologous bone grafting. Serious side effects were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: BMP-7 should not be used as general treatment of nonunion in all patients, but appears to be effective for the treatment of complex cases. In clinical practice, the decision to proceed with off-label use of BMP-7 should be made on a case-by-case basis.

[Augmentation in surgical sepsis : Chances and limitations in the treatment of osteitis with calcium hydroxyapatite containing antibiotics]. / Augmentation in der septischen Chirurgie : Chancen und Limitationen in der Behandlung der Osteitis mit antibiotikahaltigem Kalziumhydroxylapatit.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of osteitis or fracture-related infections (FRI) is often associated with large bone defects. The treatment of these defects remains a major challenge in trauma surgery. Within the concept of tissue engineering, the development of various hybrid bone graft substitutes, such as calcium hydroxyapatite with added antibiotics, is continuously progressing. OBJECTIVE: Chances and limitations in the treatment of osteitis with calcium hydroxyapatite containing antibiotics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overview of the results of a 2-stage (infection) pseudarthrosis model on rat femurs treated with Cerament® G (Bonesupport, Lund, Schweden). Evaluation of the clinical experiences based on three case examples of osteitis treated with calcium hydroxyapatite containing antibiotics (Cerament® G or Cerament® V). RESULTS: After establishment of a 2­stage pseudarthrosis model on the rat femur, the osteoconductive and osteoinductive potential of calcium hydroxyapatite containing antibiotics could be confirmed. In the clinical application, the use of Cerament® G seems to lead to a more favorable outcome in small cavitary defects. The recurrence rates are higher than previously described, especially for larger segmental defects. CONCLUSION: Taking the clinical and experimental results into consideration, a stricter evaluation of the indications for the use of Cerament® G is necessary to achieve the best possible outcome for patients.