Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of alternating magnetic fields (AMF) combined with antibiotics in reducing Staphylococcus aureus biofilm on metal implants in a large animal model, compared to antibiotics alone.
Methods: Metal plates were inoculated with a clinical MRSA strain and then implanted into thirty-three ewes divided into three groups: positive control, linezolid only, and a combination of linezolid and AMF. Animals had either titanium or cobalt-chrome plates and were sacrificed at 5 or 21 days post-implantation.
Traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO) is frequently observed in Service Members following combat-related trauma. Estimates suggest that ~65% of wounded warriors who suffer limb loss or major extremity trauma will experience some type of HO formation. The development of HO delays rehabilitation and can prevent the use of a prosthetic.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHeterotopic ossification (HO) refers to ectopic bone formation, typically in residual limbs following trauma and injury. A review of injuries from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) indicated that approximately 70% of war wounds involved the musculoskeletal system, largely in part from the use of improvised explosive devices (IED) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPG). HO is reported to occur in approximately 63%-65% of wounded warriors from OIF and OEF.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWounds complicated by biofilms challenge even the best clinical care and can delay a return to duty for service members. A major component of treatment in wounded warriors includes infected wound management. Yet, all antibiotic therapy options have been optimized against planktonic bacteria, leaving an important gap in biofilm-related wound care.
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