ABSTRACT Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen in the last decade. Increased resistance to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) has been reported in S. maltophilia strains in the past few years, leading to few therapeutic options. We conducted a prospective multicenter study at two Brazilian teaching hospitals that identified S. maltophilia isolates and evaluated their antimicrobial susceptibility profile, SMX/TMP resistance genes and their clonality profile. A total of 106 non-repeated clinical samples of S. maltophilia were evaluated. Resistance to SMX/TMP was identified in 21.6% of the samples, and previous use of SMX/TMP occurred in 19 (82.6%). PCR detected the sul1 gene in 14 of 106 strains (13.2%). Of these isolates, nine displayed resistance to SMX/TMP. The resistant strains presented a polyclonal profile. This opportunistic pathogen has emerged in immunocompromised hosts, with few therapeutic options, which is aggravated by the description of emerging resistance mechanisms, although with a polyclonal distribution profile.

RESUMO Objetivo: A não união e a persistência de infecção no local de uma fratura por períodos prolongados são sempre descritas como desafios para os ortopedistas, especialmente em casos de fraturas expostas graves, com cominuição e perdas de segmentos ósseos. Esta é uma série de casos de não consolidações infectadas, utilizando o vidro bioativo S53P4 como adjuvante no tratamento, utilizando-se sínteses internas ou fixadores externos. O objetivo é avaliar retrospectivamente os resultados do uso do biovidro S53P4 como adjuvante no tratamento de não uniões infectadas. Métodos: Foram revistos 18 pacientes com não consolidações infectadas. Os pacientes foram classificados antes da cirurgia pelo Non-Union Severity Score (NUSS), e os resultados quanto à consolidação foram avaliados pelo escore de RUST modificado (escala radiográfica de consolidação da tíbia). Dos 18 pacientes tratados, seis foram submetidos à osteossíntese interna e 12 foram tratados com fixadores externos, associados à enxertia com vidro bioativo. Resultados: Os pacientes tinham resultado NUSS médio de 56,6 (desvio padrão de 7,6) e a consolidação foi obtida segundo o escore de RUST em 17 de 18 casos (94,4%), com valor médio de 10,2 (desvio padrão de 1.0). Um paciente abandonou o seguimento. A reavaliação pelo escore de RUST modificado foi de 12,3 (PF=1,0), mantendo a consolidação de 17/18. Conclusão: O índice de consolidação foi elevado, segundo a literatura, bem como controle infeccioso. Nível de evidência IV, série de casos.

ABSTRACT Objective: Non-union and persistence of infection at a fracture site for long periods are always described as a challenge to orthopedists, especially in cases of severe compound fractures with comminution and segmental bone loss. This is a case series of septic non-unions, using S53P4 bioactive glass for adjunctive treatment, using internal syntheses or external fixators. The objective is to retrospectively evaluate the results of the use of S53P4 bioglass for the adjunctive treatment of septic non-unions. Methods: We reviewed 18 patients with septic non-unions. The patients were preoperatively classified using the Non-union Scoring System (NUSS) and union outcomes were assessed by the modified radiographic union scale in tibial (RUST) fractures. Of the 18 patients treated, six underwent internal osteosynthesis and 12 were treated with external fixators in combination with bioactive glass grafting. Results: The patients had a mean NUSS score of 56.6 (standard deviation of 7.6) and fracture union was achieved according to the RUST score in 17 of 18 cases (94.4%), with a mean value of 10.2 (standard deviation of 1.0). One patient was lost to follow-up. Reevaluation using the modified RUST score was 12.3 (SD = 1.0), maintaining union of 17/18. Conclusion: The fracture union rate was high, according to the literature, as was control of infection. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar retrospectivamente os resultados da aplicação do protocolo de tratamento das infecções agudas após artroplastia total do joelho e estabelecer fatores preditivos de bons resultados ou falhas. Métodos: Trinta-e-dois pacientes diagnosticados com infecção aguda após artroplastia total do joelho entre 2004 e 2009 foram avaliados. Os casos caracterizados como infecção foram tratados de acordo com o protocolo de tratamento recomendado em nossa instituição. Resultados: Através da aplicação de nosso protocolo para infecções agudas após artroplastia total do joelho, 26 (81,2%) pacientes tiveram bons resultados e seis (18,8%) apresentaram resultados insatisfatórios. Após a análise estatística, as variáveis que se correlacionaram com um pior prognostico foram idade (p=0,038) e número de procedimentos cirúrgicos para limpeza realizados (p=0,038). Conclusão: Nosso protocolo de tratamento foi efetivo no controle de infecção após as artroplastias. Revisão da prótese em dois tempos deve ser realizada quando o primeiro desbridamento cirúrgica não for eficaz no controle do quadro infeccioso. Level of evidence IV, case series.

ABSTRACT Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the results after applying a protocol for treating acute infections in cases of total knee arthroplasty and to establish factors predictive of success or failure. Methods: Thirty-two patients who were diagnosed with acute infection of the knee following total arthroplasty between 2004 and 2009 were retrospectively evaluated. Infections following arthroplasty were treated in accordance with the protocol for acute infections following arthroscopy recommended at our institution. Results: With application of a treatment protocol for acute infections following total knee arthroplasty, 26 patients (81.2%) had good results and 6 (18.8%) had unsatisfactory results. Statistical analysis showed that the variables correlated with a worse prognosis were age (p = 0.038) and number of surgical debridement procedures performed (p = 0.038). Conclusion: Our treatment routine was effective for infection. Prosthesis revision was performed in 2 cases when the initial surgical debridement failed to control the infection. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as características clínicas e epidemiológicas de pacientes com artrite séptica do ombro ou cotovelo e buscar fatores prognósticos para complicações durante o tratamento. Métodos: Foi feita uma série de casos retrospectiva com pacientes atendidos entre 2004 e 2014. As características clínicas e epidemiológicas dos pacientes foram coletadas. As complicações clínicas e ortopédicas foram identificadas e possíveis fatores prognósticos foram avaliados. Resultados: O estudo avaliou 27 pacientes, 17 com pioartrite no ombro e dez no cotovelo. A mediana da idade foi de 46 anos (IIQ 24,5; 61). Doença articular prévia foi observada em nove pacientes (33%). Uma ou mais comorbidades clínicas foram identificadas em 23 pacientes (85%). Staphylococcus aureus foi isolado em 14 casos (52%). Quatorze pacientes (52%) tiveram pelo menos uma complicação clínica e cinco pacientes foram a óbito (19%). Nove pacientes (33%) tiveram alguma complicação ortopédica. O tempo entre o início dos sintomas e o tratamento cirúrgico foi maior nos pacientes com complicações ortopédicas (p = 0,020). Em relação ao desenvolvimento de complicações clínicas, leucocitose na admissão hospitalar (p = 0,021) e presença de comorbidades clínicas (p = 0,041) foram fatores preditivos. Conclusões: A pioartrite do ombro e cotovelo acomete preferencialmente indivíduos com comorbidades clínicas e/ou imunocomprometidos. O Staphylococcus aureus é o patógeno mais frequente no Brasil. Leucocitose na admissão hospitalar e a presença de comorbidades clínicas são fatores associados à presença de complicações clínicas. Maior tempo entre o início dos sintomas e o tratamento cirúrgico foi correlacionado a complicações ortopédicas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with septic arthritis of the shoulder or elbow and to evaluate prognostic factors for complications during treatment. Methods: A retrospective case series was studied with patients treated between 2004 and 2014. The patients' clinical and epidemiological characteristics were collected. The clinical and orthopedic complications were identified and possible prognostic factors were evaluated. Results: Twenty-seven patients were analyzed, 17 with septic arthritis of the shoulder and ten of the elbow. Median age was 46 years (IQR, 24.5; 61). Previous joint disease was observed in nine patients (33%). At least one clinical comorbidity was observed in 23 patients (85%). Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 14 cases (52%). Fourteen patients (52%) had at least one clinical complication and five patients died (19%). Nine patients (33%) had some type of orthopedic complication. The time between onset of symptoms and surgical treatment was longer in patients with orthopedic complications (p = 0.020). Regarding the development of clinical complications, leukocytosis on hospital admission time (p = 0.021) and the presence of clinical morbidities (p = 0.041) were predictive factors. Conclusions: Septic arthritis of the shoulder and elbow primarily affects individuals who are immunocompromised and/or have clinical comorbidities. S. aureus is the most common pathogen in Brazil. Leukocytosis at hospital admission and the presence of clinical comorbidities are factors associated with the presence of clinical complications. Longer time between onset of symptoms and surgical treatment was correlated with orthopedic complications.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar a experiência com terapia com pressão negativa (TPN), como adjuvante no tratamento das feridas cirúrgicas de pacientes submetidos à revisão decorrente de solturas sépticas com presença de fístula ativa em artroplastias totais do quadril (ATQ). Métodos: Foram avaliados prospectivamente pacientes que apresentavam infecção de ATQ, associada à presença de fístula, tratados com dispositivo PICO® para TPN, além do tratamento padrão da infecção protética em nossa instituição. Consideramos como desfecho favorável inicial a resolução do processo de infecção e a cicatrização da ferida operatória, sem eventos complicadores. Resultados: Foram acompanhados 10 pacientes que usaram PICO® em nosso serviço. Mão foram identificadas quaisquer complicações com relação ao uso do dispositivo de TPN. A média de acompanhamento dos pacientes após o uso do dispositivo foi de 12,7 meses. Apenas um paciente evoluiu com recidiva da infecção e reativação da fístula. Conclusão: A TPN pode ser usada em complicações de feridas e infecção depois de ATQ com segurança e com resultados promissores. Estudos prospectivos randomizados devem ser realizados para comprovar sua eficácia. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To present our institution's experience with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) as an adjuvant in wound healing of patients who have undergone revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to septic loosening in the presence of active fistula. Methods: We prospectively assessed patients presenting with THA infection, associated with the presence of fistula, treated with a PICO® device for NPWT, in combination with the standard treatment for prosthesis infection in our institution. Resolution of the infectious process and healing of the surgical wound without complications were considered an initial favorable outcome. Results: We assessed 10 patients who used PICO® in our department. No complications were identified in association with the use of the NPWT device. The mean follow-up of the patients after use of the device was 12.7 months. Only one patient progressed with fistula reactivation and recurrence of infection. Conclusion: NPWT can be used in wound complications and infection following THA procedures safely and with promising results. Randomized prospective studies should be conducted to confirm its effectiveness. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

ABSTRACT A panel of national experts was convened by the Brazilian Infectious Diseases Society in order to determine the recommendations for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in Brazil. The following aspects are covered in the document: organization of OPAT programs; patient evaluation and eligibility criteria, including clinical and sociocultural factors; diagnosis of eligibility; venous access and antimicrobial infusion devices; protocols for antimicrobial use and monitoring and cost-effectiveness.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil socioeconômico e demográfico de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revisão de artroplastia total do quadril por diagnóstico de infecção protética profunda. MÉTODOS: Análise de 20 pacientes internados entre 2009 e 2010 pelo Grupo de Quadril com diagnóstico de infecção protética profunda cujo tratamento proposto foi cirúrgico. O trabalho foi feito com preenchimento na presença do paciente de dois formulários aplicados pela assistente social do grupo. RESULTADOS: Na amostra de 20 pacientes, 40% pertenciam ao sexo masculino, 45% estavam em idade produtiva, 50% eram originários da capital, 85% previdenciários, 70% aposentados, 60% provenientes do próprio hospital e 40% de outros serviços. A média de custo dos pacientes ao sistema público foi de R$ 55.821,62 por paciente, o gasto total no tratamento dos pacientes do estudo totalizou R$ 1.116.432,40. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a artroplastia total do quadril infectada gera um grande gasto ao sistema previdenciário e ao sistema de saúde público, deve-se, portanto, sempre atentar para os possíveis fatores de risco e cuidados perioperatórios para que esse problema seja evitado.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To characterize the socio-economic and demographic profile of patients undergoing surgery for revision total hip arthroplasty regarding the diagnosis of deep prosthetic infection. METHODS: Twenty patients were retrospectively studied, admitted in the period between 2009 and 2010 by the Hip Surgery Group with the diagnosis of deep prosthetic infection, whose proposed treatment was surgical. This study was carried out in the presence of the patient by completing two forms applied by the social worker of the Group. RESULTS: In a 20-patient sample, 40% were male, 45% were working age, 50% of patients originated from the capital, 85% depended on benefits, 70% were retired, 60% of patients were from this hospital, and 40% were from other services. The average cost of patients to the public system was R$ 55,821.62 per patient and the total spent on treatment of patients in the study exceeded one million Brazilian reals, totalling R$ 1,116,432.40. CONCLUSION: Infection from total hip arthroplasty generates a major expense to the social security system and to the public healthcare system. Physicians must always be alert to the possible risk factors and perioperative care, striving to minimize this complication.

OBJECTIVES: Negative-pressure wound therapy has been widely adopted to reduce the complexity of treating a broad range of acute and chronic wounds. However, its cost is high. The objective of this study was to evaluate the following two different methods of negative-pressure wound therapy in terms of healing time: a low-cost method of negative-pressure wound therapy (a pressure stabilizer device connected to a hospital wall-vacuum system with a gauze-sealed dressing, USP) and the standard of care (vacuum-assisted closure, VAC). METHODS: This is a randomized, controlled, non-inferiority, unblinded trial. Patients admitted with complex injuries to a trauma center in a public referral hospital who were indicated for orthopedic surgery were randomized to a USP or VAC group. The primary outcome was the time required to achieve a “ready for surgery condition”, which was defined as a wound bed with healthy granulation tissue and without necrosis or purulent secretion. Wound bed area contraction, granulation tissue growth and the direct costs of the dressings were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Variation in area and granulation tissue growth were essentially the same between the systems, and healing time was equal between the groups (p=0.379). In both systems, serial debridement increased wound area (p=0.934), and granulation tissue was also increased (p=0.408). The mean treatment cost was US$ 15.15 in the USP group and US$ 872.59 in the VAC group. CONCLUSIONS: For treating complex traumatic injuries, USP was non-inferior to and less expensive than VAC.

OBJECTIVES: To clinically and epidemiologically characterize a population diagnosed with and treated for septic arthritis of the knee, to evaluate the treatment results and to analyze the differences between patients with positive and negative culture results, patients with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolates and patients with S. aureus- and non-S. aureus-related infections. METHODS: One hundred and five patients with septic knee arthritis were included in this study. The clinical and epidemiological data were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed to compare patients with and without an isolated causative agent, patients with Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens and patients with S. aureus-related and non S. aureus-related infections. RESULTS: Causative agents were isolated in 81 patients. Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 65 patients and Gram-negative bacteria were isolated in 16 patients. The most commonly isolated bacterium was S. aureus. Comparing cases with an isolated pathogen to cases without an isolated pathogen, no differences between the studied variables were found except for the longer hospital stays of patients in whom an etiological agent was identified. When comparing Gram-positive bacteria with Gram-negative bacteria, patients with Gram-positive-related infections exhibited higher leukocyte counts. Patients with S. aureus-related infections were more frequently associated with healthcare-related environmental encounters. CONCLUSION: S. aureus is the most common pathogen of septic knee arthritis. Major differences were not observed between infections with isolated and non-isolated pathogens and between infections with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. S. aureus infections were more likely to be associated with a prior healthcare environment exposure.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência e o perfil microbiológico das ISC relacionadas a procedimentos de fixação de fraturas num hospital acadêmico ortopédico terciário em São Paulo, Brasil, e comparar as diferenças observadas entre os pacientes com fraturas fechadas e expostas. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo. Foram incluídos na análise os dados relativos a todos os pacientes que passaram por procedimento cirúrgico para fixação de fraturas fechadas ou expostas de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2012 e que mantiveram seguimento por pelo menos um ano. Foi verificada a presença de associação entre o tipo de fratura, a incidência de ISC e as incidências de infecções polimicrobianas e por bacilos Gram-negativos. O perfil microbiológico foi estabelecido por meio da elaboração de antibiogramas cumulativos. RESULTADOS: A incidência geral de infecção de 6%. Essa incidência foi maior no grupo de pacientes com fraturas expostas (14,7%) do que naqueles com fraturas fechadas (4,2%), com diferença estatisticamente significante. O número de pacientes com infecções polimicrobianas e com infecções relacionadas a BGN também foi significativamente maior no grupo de casos relacionados a fraturas expostas. Staphylococcus aureus e espécies de Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo (CoNS) foram os principais agentes isolados nos dois grupos. A incidência de MRSA (S. aureus resistente a meticilina) dentre todos os isolados de S. aureus foi de 72%. A. baumannii foi o principal BGN isolado entre os pacientes com fraturas expostas e P. aeruginosa entre os pacientes com fraturas fechadas. Em ambos os casos, observaram-se baixos índices de sensibilidade a carbapenêmicos. CONCLUSÕES: A incidência de ISC relacionada à fixação interna de fraturas foi significantemente maior nos pacientes com fraturas expostas, o que indica que esse tipo de fratura pode ser um fator de risco para a ocorrência desse tipo de infecção. Dentre os isolados bacterianos, predominaram no geral S. aureus (com elevada prevalência de MRSA) e S. coagulase-negativo. Dentre os BGN, houve predomínio de A. baumanni também entre os isolados de pacientes com fraturas expostas e P. aeruginosa entre os isolados daqueles com fraturas fechadas.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and microbiological profile of surgical site infections (SSIs) associated with internal fixation of fractures and to compare differences in the SSIs observed among patients with closed and open fractures. METHODS: Retrospective study. Analyzed data included information from all patients who underwent surgery for fixation of closed or open fractures from January 2005 to December 2012 and remained outpatients for at least one year following surgery. Incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) was compared between patients with closed and open infection, as well as polymicrobial infection and infection related to Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Cumulative antibiograms were performed to describe microbiological profiles. RESULTS: Overall incidence of SSI was 6%. This incidence was significantly higher among patients with open fractures (14.7%) than among patients with closed fractures (4.2%). The proportions of patients with polymicrobial infections and infections due to GNB were also significantly higher among patients with open fractures. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) species were the primary infectious agents isolated from both groups. The overall incidence of MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) was 72%. A. baumannii was the predominant GNB isolate recovered from patients with open fractures and P. aeruginosa was the most frequent isolate recovered from patients with closed fractures, both exhibited low rates of susceptibility to carbapenems. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of SSIs related to the internal fixation of fractures was significantly higher among patients with open fractures, indicating that an open fracture can be a risk factor for infection. Among the bacterial isolates, S. aureus (with a high prevalence of MRSA) and CoNS species were most prevalent. A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa isolates underscored the low rate of susceptibility to carbapenems that was observed in the present study.

O manejo das fraturas expostas é discutido desde a antiguidade e permanece de grande interesse da ortopedia e da traumatologia modernas. São lesões ainda desafiadoras. Infecção e não união são complicações temidas. Aspectos no diagnóstico, classificação e manejo inicial são discutidos. São essenciais a administração precoce de antibióticos, a limpeza cirúrgica e o debridamento meticuloso. Devem ser levadas em consideração as condições sistêmicas do paciente politraumatizado e as condições locais do membro acometido. A estabilização esquelética precoce é necessária. A fixação definitiva deve ser considerada quando possível e métodos de fixação provisória devem ser usados quando necessário. O fechamento precoce deve ser almejado e pode-se fazer uso de retalhos para esse fim.

The management of exposed fractures has been discussed since ancient times and remains of great interest to present-day orthopedics and traumatology. These injuries are still a challenge. Infection and nonunion are feared complications. Aspects of the diagnosis, classification and initial management are discussed here. Early administration of antibiotics, surgical cleaning and meticulous debridement are essential. The systemic conditions of patients with multiple trauma and the local conditions of the limb affected need to be taken into consideration. Early skeletal stabilization is necessary. Definitive fixation should be considered when possible and provisional fixation methods should be used when necessary. Early closure should be the aim, and flaps can be used for this purpose.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the risk factors for joint infection by oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using clinical and epidemiological data. METHODS: All septic arthritis cases of the knee and hip diagnosed and treated in our institution from 2006 to 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. Only patients with cultures identified as microbial agents were included in the study. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients were analyzed, seeking the differences between populations affected by MRSA and oxacillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). RESULTS: S. aureus was isolated in thirty-five patients (46.0%) in our total sample, 25 in the knee and 10 in the hip. Of these 35 patients, 22 presented with MSSA and 13 presented with MRSA. Provenance from a health service-related environment, as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was the only variable associated with oxacillin-resistant strains of this bacterium (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Provenance from a health service-related environment was associated with a higher incidence of MRSA-related septic arthritis, suggesting that this agent should be considered in the initial choice of antibiotic treatment. Previous surgeries of the knee or affected limb and the absence of leukocytes might also be related to infection with this agent.

Background:Septic arthritis is an infrequent disease although very important due to the possibility of disastrous outcomes if treatment is not adequately established. Adequate information concerning the epidemiology of septic arthritis is still lacking due to the uncommon nature of the disease as well as the struggle to establish a correct case-definition.Objective:To epidemiologically characterize the population seen at Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo with a diagnosis of septic arthritis between 2006 and 2011.Methods:Sixty-one patients diagnosed with septic arthritis of the knee between 2006 and 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients' clinical and epidemiological characteristics, the microorganisms that caused the infection and the patients' treatment and evolution were analyzed.Results:Septic arthritis of the knee was more common among men, with distribution across a variety of age ranges. Most diagnoses were made through positive synovial fluid cultures. The most prevalent clinical comorbidities were systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and the most commonly reported joint disease was osteoarthritis. Staphylococcus aureus was the prevailing pathogen. Fever was present in 36% of the cases. All patients presented elevation in inflammatory tests. Gram staining was positive in only 50.8% of the synovial fluid samples analyzed. Six patients presented complications and unfavorable evolution of their condition.Conclusion:S. aureus is still the most common pathogen in acute knee infections in our environment. Gram staining, absence of fever and normal leukocyte count cannot be used to rule out septic arthritis.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os resultados funcionais iniciais e o índice de complicações precoces das artroplastias totais do quadril cerâmica-cerâmica em pacientes que convivem com o HIV e apresentam osteonecrose da cabeça femoral. MÉTODO: Doze pacientes HIV+ com diagnóstico de osteonecrose da cabeça do fêmur incongruente foram avaliados através de critérios clínicos, laboratoriais, pela escala funcional WOMAC antes e após o tratamento com substituição articular. RESULTADOS: Observamos que 83,3% dos indivíduos faziam uso de inibidores de protease, 75% apresentavam dislipidemia e 66,6% síndrome lipodistrófica, a melhora na evolução no escore WOMAC foi estatisticamente significativa para seis e 12 meses de pós-operatório em comparação com o escore pré-operatório e não observamos complicações secundárias a esse procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: A artroplastia total do quadril com implante de cerâmica-cerâmica para o tratamento da necrose avascular do quadril nessa parcela da população é opção cirúrgica adequada, apresenta melhora funcional inicial significativa e baixo índice de complicação precoce.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the initial functional results and early complication rate of ceramic-ceramic total hip replacements among patients living with HIV who presented osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHOD: Twelve HIV-positive patients with a diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the incongruent femoral head were evaluated using clinical and laboratory criteria and the WOMAC functional scale before and after treatment with joint replacement. RESULTS: We observed that 83.3% of the subjects were taking protease inhibitors, 75% had dyslipidemia and 66.6% had lipodystrophy syndrome. The improvement over the evolution of the WOMAC score was statistically significant at six and twelve months after the operation, in comparison with the preoperative score. We did not observe complications secondary to this procedure. CONCLUSION: Total hip arthroplasty with a ceramic-ceramic implant for treating avascular necrosis of the hip is an appropriate surgical option for this portion of the population. It provides a significant initial functional improvement and a low early complication rate.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing interest in the study of Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) infections, very little information on osteomyelitis caused by GNB is available in the medical literature. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: To assess clinical and microbiological features of 101 cases of osteomyelitis caused by GNB alone, between January 2007 and January 2009, in a reference center for the treatment of high complexity traumas in the city of São Paulo. RESULTS: Most patients were men (63%), with median age of 42 years, affected by chronic osteomyelitis (43%) or acute osteomyelitis associated to open fractures (32%), the majority on the lower limbs (71%). The patients were treated with antibiotics as inpatients for 40 days (median) and for 99 days (median) in outpatient settings. After 6 months follow-up, the clinical remission rate was around 60%, relapse 19%, amputation 7%, and death 5%. Nine percent of cases were lost to follow-up. A total of 121 GNB was isolated from 101 clinical samples. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Enterobacter sp. (25%), Acinetobacter baumannii (21%) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20%). Susceptibility to carbapenems was about 100% for Enterobacter sp., 75% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 60% for Acinetobacter baumannii. CONCLUSION: Osteomyelitis caused by GNB remains a serious therapeutic challenge, especially when associated to nonfermenting bacteria. We emphasize the need to consider these agents in diagnosed cases of osteomyelitis, so that an ideal antimicrobial treatment can be administered since the very beginning of the therapy.