Antimicrobial Sleeve Averts Infection

A new device coated with antibiotics is designed to inhibit bacteria from attaching to orthopedic pins and wires during external fixation surgeries. The device has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Called OrthoGuard AB, the device is a polyurethane tube coated with gentamicin, an antibiotic that works against a wide spectrum of bacteria. External fixation surgeries are performed primarily to treat complex fractures or correct deformities in long bones. The sleeve delivers gentamicin directly to the pin site soon after implantation, then slowly releases further antibiotics throughout the course of the treatment.

In 2001, an estimated 500,000 pins and wires were implanted worldwide. Pin tract infection is the most frequent complication related to this surgery, and can lead to loosening of pins and wires or a deeper infection of the surgical site. OrthoGuard is the product of Smith & Nephew (Memphis, TN, USA).

"OrthoGuard AB is another example of the innovative product technologies that Smith & Nephew is committed to bring to the orthopedics sector,” said Dave Illingworth, president of Smith & Nephew's Orthopedics division. "We expect this product to become the standard of care in external fixation.” The sleeve can be used with the company's main external fixation products as well as with the products of competitors.





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