Systematic approach to treat chronic osteomyelitis through ceftriaxone–sulbactam impregnated porous β-tri calcium phosphate localized delivery system

Present investigation deals with in vitro and in vivo experimentation to treat chronic osteomyelitis, using pure β-tri calcium phosphate porous scaffolds. A novel approach was given to treat such infections using the scaffolds and drug combinations consisting of ideal antibiotics. In vitro studies include variation of porosity with interconnectivity, pore-drug interfacial studies by SEM-EDAX and drug elution studies both in contact with PBS and SBF at ca. 37 °C. In vivo trials were based on experimental osteomyelitis in rabbit model in tibia by Staphylococcus aureus. Characterizations included histopathology, radiology and estimation of drug in both bone and serum for 42 days by HPLC and subsequent bone–biomaterial interface by SEM. Samples having 60–65% porosity with average pore size ca. 55 μm and higher interconnectivity (22–113 μm), high adsorption efficiency (ca. 79%) of drug showed prolonged, sustained release of the drugs considered being sufficient to treat chronic osteomyelitis with desirable bone formation.