Effect of selected, wound antiseptics on adult articular cartilage (bovine sesamoid bone) in the presence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

After removing an inoculum of 10(8)-10(9) cfu of Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) effectively wihin 2 h from bovine sesamoid bones (bsb) using the iodophore Betaisodon((R)) [0.5 and 1.0% (v/v) PVP-I] the biguanide polihexanide (PHMB) [0.005 and 0.01% (v/v)], and the bispyridinamine Octenidine (Oct) [0.005 and 0.01% (v/v)) the metabolic effect on proteoglycans (PG) in bsb was investigated by subsequent Culture of bsb for 7 d and biosyntheticaily labeling with S-35-sulfate fora period of 24 h. The treatment with the iodophore stimulates the incorporation of S-35-sulfate into PG, whereas that of Oct was toxic. The PHMB treatment was both tolerated and effective only when it was used at low concentrations (0.005%). The antiseptic treatment did not result in an increase of catabolism of PG. This in vitro study clearly demonstrates that irrigation of cartilage with an antiseptic should be limited to an effective concentration and treatment time compatible with antiseptic function. lodophores have no negative feedback on cartilage metabolism. moreover, they stimulate chondrocytes in vitro. Cationic antiseptics are not suited as irrigating solutions. (C) 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.