Use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement for paediatric chronic osteomyelitis: a scoping review

Objective: To systematically map the research done on the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement for paediatricchronic osteomyelitis.Method: The scoping review was conducted in July 2023, and comprised research on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane,Google Scholar and ScienceDirect databases for original research articles on paediatric chronic osteomyelitis usingantibiotic-loaded bone cement. Data items extracted included basic bibliographic details, patient demographics,patient presentation, pathogen, systemic and local antibiotic treatment, operative techniques, follow-up, outcomes,and complications.Results: Of the 1,569 studies identified, 158(10.07%) were assessed for eligibility, and, of them, 9(5.7%) werereviewed in detail. All the 9(100%) studies were retrospective, 6(66.6%) were case series, and 1(11.1%) was from adeveloping country. Of the total 73 patients in the studies, 58(79.5%) were males, and tibia was the most commonlyinvolved bone 21(46%). Vancomycin was most commonly used in bone cement (60 (83.6%)). All 73 (100%) patientswere infection-free at the end of the follow-up period, with no major complications in 55 (75.3%) patients.Conclusion: Current literature on the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement in paediatric chronic osteomyelitis islimited, but favours its use.