Innovation in multifunctional bioabsorbable osteoconductive drug-releasing hard tissue fixation devices

We review in this paper the work performed by our group to develop multifunctional bioabsorbable ciprofloxacin releasing bone implants. Poly lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA 80/20 and polylactide (P(L/DL)LA 70/30) were used. Ciprofloxacin (CF) and bioactive glass (BaG) 13-93 were added. The mixture was then extruded and self-reinforced. CF release, mechanical strength, and the effect on S. epidermidis attachment and biofilm formation were evaluated. In rabbits, tissue reactions were assessed. Pull out strength was evaluated in cadaver bones. CF was released over 44 weeks (P(L/DL)LA) and 23–26 weeks (PLGA). Initial shear strength of the CF screws was 152 MPa (P(L/DL)LA) and 172 MPa (PLGA). Strength was retained for 12 weeks (P(L/DL)LA) and 9 weeks (PLGA). Histologically, CF releasing implants did not show much difference from control plain PLGA screws except for increased giant cells. CF miniscrews had lower pullout strength than the controls, but CF tacks had better values than controls. BaG led to a drop in pullout strength properties. Bacterial growth, attachment and biofilm formation on CF implants was significantly reduced when compared to controls. Accordingly, bioabsorbable multifunctional implants with appropriate CF release, mechanical, and biocompatibility properties are possible to develop and are considered appropriate to apply clinically.