Experimental and preliminary clinical experience with absorbable calcium phosphate granules containing an antibiotic or antiseptic for the local treatment of osteomyelitis.

Experimental studies on dogs with staphylococcal osteomyelitis showed that it is possible to reduce florid bone suppuration by the use of hydroxyapatite granules containing an antibiotic or antiseptic. In our series the use of flucloxacillin hydroxyapatite granules was superior to other treatment methods. Twelve patients were treated with thorough sequestrectomy, reliable wound closure and suitable stabilization supplemented with an implant of antibiotic or antiseptic hydroxyapatite granules, and an autologous spongiosa graft for large bone cavities or for discontinuity between the bone ends. The results of this preliminary study showed the treatment to be effective.