In vitro analysis of the elution of tobramycin from a calcium sulfate bone void filler.

摘要

The use of synthetic calcium-based bone replacements has a recent history in craniofacial surgery as a non- to minimally load-bearing graft substitute. Given its avascular nature at the time of placement, infection is an ever present risk. Antibiotics are often added to the material during surgery based on an empirical impression. Whether effective antibiotic release actually occurs and over what time are not known for many of the available calcium-based preparations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the release kinetics of tobramycin from molded cylinders of Calcigen S bone void filler (Biomet, Warsaw, IN) and to compare this with the release kinetics of tobramycin from plaster of Paris-based systems as reported in the literature. Calcigen S bone void filler is a form of calcium sulfate that is closely related to plaster of Paris yet remains distinct. In vitro studies as well as clinical series have demonstrated that plaster of Paris is an effective vehicle to deliver tobramycin in which therapeutic doses of the antibiotic are released after implantation. In vitro analysis of the elution of tobramycin from Calcigen S bone void filler substrate is similar to that of plaster of Paris.