Experimental osteomyelitis

Abstract

A variety of new antimicrobial agents has been introduced, but evaluation of the value of these agents in infections of the musculoskeletal system has relied almost exclusively on clinical trials. Preclinical trials in an animal model could permit earlier detection of promising agents and proper dosage schedules. Newer surgical procedures utilized in the treatment of osteomyelitis, such as local muscle flaps and free vascularized flaps, could also be evaluated to determine how they influence the local blood supply and microbial persistence. In addition, the animal model might aid in the evaluation of newer and non-invasive diagnostic scanning techniques used in the study of infection.