Intraoperative Vancomycin Powder Reduces Staphylococcus aureus Surgical Site Infections and Biofilm Formation on Fixation Implants in a Rabbit Model.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative vancomycin powder in prevention of surgical site infection and biofilm formation on implants in a contaminated animal fixation model.

METHODS: We created a rabbit surgical model including fixation implants at a tibial surgical site seeded with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Our study cohort included 18 rabbits. Nine received vancomycin powder at the surgical site, and the other 9 did not. Serum vancomycin levels were measured at scheduled time points over 24 hours. Bone infection and implant biofilm formation were determined based on the number of colony-forming units present 2 weeks after surgery. Radiography, histology, and electron microscopy aided in evaluation.

RESULTS: No bone infection or implant colonization occurred in the vancomycin powder group. Six bone infections and 6 implant biofilm formations (67%; 95% confidence interval, 45%-88%) occurred in the group that did not receive vancomycin powder (P = 0.009). Serum vancomycin levels were detectable at minimal levels at 1 and 6 hours only. Pathological changes occurred in the specimens that were positive for infection.

CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative vancomycin powder application at the time of fixation decreases risk for bone infection and biofilm formation on implants in a rabbit model, with minimal increase in serum vancomycin levels. The results are encouraging and support the rationale for a clinical trial investigating the use of local vancomycin powder to reduce the rate of surgical site infections.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Infection is a common complication of surgery, especially with implants. Simple methods to prevent or decrease the occurrence of infection would benefit the patient and the health care system.