Bacterial Identification and Visualization of Bacterial Biofilms Adjacent to Fracture Sites After Internal Fixation.

The primary aims of this study were to determine if any correlation exists in cases of fracture fixation among: (1) bacterial profiles recovered from the instrumentation and adjacent tissues; (2) the type of orthopedic injury; and (3) the clinical outcome-union versus nonunion. A secondary goal was to compare culture and molecular diagnostics for identifying the bacterial species present following fracture fixation. Single-institution, prospective case-control cohort study.

Polymerase Chain Reaction-Electrospray-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Versus Culture for Bacterial Detection in Septic Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

Background: Preliminary studies have identified known bacterial pathogens in the knees of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) before arthroplasty.

Aims: The current study was designed to determine the incidence and types of bacteria present in the synovial fluid of native knee joints from adult patients with diagnoses of septic arthritis and OA.

Patients And Methods: Patients were enrolled between October 2010 and January 2013.

Can we trust intraoperative culture results in nonunions?

Objectives: To identify the presence of bacterial biofilms in nonunions comparing molecular techniques (multiplex polymerase chain reaction and mass spectrometry, fluorescent in situ hybridization) with routine intraoperative cultures.

Methods: Thirty-four patients with nonunions were scheduled for surgery and enrolled in this ongoing prospective study. Intraoperative specimens were collected from removed implants, surrounding tissue membrane, and local soft tissue followed by standard culture analysis, Ibis's second generation molecular diagnostics (Ibis Biosystems), and bacterial 16S rRNA-based fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Outcomes of microfracture in professional basketball players.

Surgical treatment for chondral defects of the knee in competitive running and jumping athletes remains controversial. This study evaluated the performance outcomes of professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) who underwent microfracture. Data from 24 professional basketball players from 1997 to 2006 was obtained and analyzed.