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METHODS:

Instrumentation of the L4-L5 vertebrae was performed mimicking pedicle screw and rod fixation in 30 rats. Titanium inoculated with PBS or 1x105 CFU bioluminescent MRSA and biomimetic bone grafts infused with varying concentrations of vancomycin were inserted before closure. Infection was quantified during the six-week postoperative period using IVIS bioluminescent imaging. Arthrodesis was evaluated using micro-CT. Histological analysis was utilized to evaluate fusion and leukocyte infiltration.

RESULTS:

Infected animals receiving a bone graft infused with high-dose vancomycin (0.89 mg/g) exhibited significantly lower bioluminescent signal over the six-week postoperative infection period (p= 0.032) than control animals inoculated with MRSA and implanted with bone grafts lacking vancomycin. Both high and low-dose (0.18 mg/g) vancomycin-infused grafts resulted in a statistically significant …