OBJECTIVES: To characterize the in vitro toxicity of vancomycin on articular cartilage. METHODS: Osteochondral samples extracted from fresh, juvenile porcine stifle (knee) joints were exposed to vancomycin saline concentrations of 2, 5, and 10 mg/mL and compared with a saline and nonsaline treated control. Comparison of chondrocyte viability was assessed with histology examination of chondrocyte degeneration using the Mankin criteria and a live/dead staining using ethidium homodimer-2 and calcien acetoxymethylester stain and confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: A comparison of chondrocyte viability in the control sample and 2 mg/mL group showed no statistical difference (P = 0.38). The chondrocyte toxicity was statistically significantly higher in both the 5 mg/mL (P = 0.003) and 10 mg/mL (P < 0.001) experimental groups in comparison to the control sample. Chondrocyte death increased in a statistically significant dose-dependent fashion. Histologically, the Mankin scores were higher for the saline-treated group in comparison to the untreated control group. CONCLUSIONS: Vancomycin is toxic to articular chondrocytes in concentrations of 5 mg/mL and greater. Strategies for controlling concentration must be developed before routine application of topical antibiotics around synovial joints is performed.
OBJECTIVES: To characterize the in vitro toxicity of vancomycin on articular cartilage. METHODS: Osteochondral samples extracted from fresh, juvenile porcine stifle (knee) joints were exposed to vancomycin saline concentrations of 2, 5, and 10 mg/mL and compared with a saline and nonsaline treated control. Comparison of chondrocyte viability was assessed with histology examination of chondrocyte degeneration using the Mankin criteria and a live/dead staining using ethidium homodimer-2 and calcien acetoxymethylester stain and confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: A comparison of chondrocyte viability in the control sample and 2 mg/mL group showed no statistical difference (P = 0.38). The chondrocyte toxicity was statistically significantly higher in both the 5 mg/mL (P = 0.003) and 10 mg/mL (P < 0.001) experimental groups in comparison to the control sample. Chondrocyte death increased in a statistically significant dose-dependent fashion. Histologically, the Mankin scores were higher for the saline-treated group in comparison to the untreated control group. CONCLUSIONS:Vancomycin is toxic to articular chondrocytes in concentrations of 5 mg/mL and greater. Strategies for controlling concentration must be developed before routine application of topical antibiotics around synovial joints is performed.
Authors: Caroline M Atherton; Simon J Spencer; Katy McCall; Emma Garcia-Melchor; William J Leach; Michael Mullen; Brian P Rooney; Colin Walker; Iain B McInnes; Neal L Millar; Moeed Akbar Journal: Am J Sports Med Date: 2021-01-06 Impact factor: 6.202