Antibiotic Impregnated Beads in Osteomyelitis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA · Jul 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to treat bone infections in the lower leg and foot, called osteomyelitis. Usually, these infections happen after injuries, surgeries, or when metal implants in the bones get infected. Treatment often involves antibiotics given by IV (through a vein) or by mouth. Sometimes, doctors place small beads filled with antibiotics directly where the infection is to help fight it better. Traditionally, these beads don’t dissolve and need to be removed with another surgery. This study is testing absorbable beads made from a material that dissolves on its own, so they don’t need to be taken out. The goal is to see if using these absorbable beads along with antibiotics works better than just using antibiotics alone.

People who may join this study are adults with bone infections in their lower legs or feet, whether or not they have metal implants. However, those who are very sick, unable to give consent, or judged unsuitable by the doctor won’t be eligible. Participants will receive either the usual antibiotic treatment or antibiotics plus the new absorbable beads placed at the infection site. This study is not yet enrolling patients, but it aims to find a safer and possibly more effective way to treat these difficult infections without needing extra surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • patients with lower extremity osteoarticular infections with or without hardware
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • patients who are hemodynamically unstable or have altered mental status and cannot give consent
• • patient per investigators discretion are excluded