Bacterial growth associated with metallic implants in dogs

Tissue and swab specimens for bacteriologic culture were obtained from the operative wound in 40 dogs in which plates and screws were applied and then removed from the sites of healed fractures or arthrodeses. Implants were removed after a mean (+/- SD) application period of 15.7 +/- 9.3 months. Bacteria were isolated from the plate-bone interface in 17 dogs. Of the 17 dogs, 9 had had complications associated with initial management (eg, osteomyelitis, open fractures, or multiple surgical procedures). Control specimens were obtained from 30 dogs that had clean elective orthopedic procedures that did not involve implantation of metallic prostheses. None of the dogs of the control group were given antibiotics. Bacteria were isolated from 2 of 30 specimens obtained from control dogs. The difference between the number of culture-positive specimens from dogs of the implant group and those from dogs of the control group was significant (P less than 0.01).