Narrative review of the opportunities for bone tissue regeneration and osteomyelitis treatment: transition metal complexes with antibiotics as proof-of-concept

Severe fractures, tumors, and bone surgery are risk factors for bone infection. Infected bone defects are chronic conditions in which the ability of local tissue and bone to regenerate is severely compromised. One type of infection, osteomyelitis, is a common orthopedic condition caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Infections have led to challenging complications such as fracture nonunion and delayed bone healing. Moreover, the emergence of bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics is making advanced antibacterial agents an urgent goal, as the benefits of traditional antibiotics are gradually diminishing. This review summarizes advances in regenerative bone medicine, biomaterials, and implant technologies. From the perspective of antibacterial strategies, it also discusses future challenges and prospects for infection control with a focus on metalloantibiotics in bone-related applications.