Properties and clinical application safety of antibiotic-loaded bone cement in kyphoplasty

We clinically evaluated properties and benefits of a new low viscosity polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement loaded with gentamicin in a non-randomised, monocentric, prospective open trial conducted in a German centre from 2010 to 2013. In total, 50 patients undergoing a one-staged kyphoplasty were enrolled. As there was no control group, only descriptive statistical methods were used.

The trial population comprised of male or female patients of at least 50 years of age. In total, 50 patients with fractures of the vertebral body (TH7-L4) due to osteoporosis [14] or a trauma scheduled for one-staged kyphoplasty were consecutively screened and enrolled, and 49 were included in the safety population (SAF population). Exclusion criteria were known hypersensibility against ingredients of the tested bone cement, concomitant systemic gentamicin treatment, any concomitant disease (excluding a minimally invasive kyphoplasty of the vertebral body), presence of spondylitis or infection, renal impairment, sensorineural hearing loss, and hemorrhagic diathesis.

All patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria gave their written consent to participate. The trial duration per patient consisted of a screening period up to 7 days before the surgery, a hospitalisation period of 1 week including final examination, and a follow-up period of 12 months. The trial comprised ten clinical visits.

The investigational medical product (IMD) was administered to patients during the surgery according to the standard procedure established on site for one-staged kyphoplasty [15]. The antibiotic-loaded bone cement consists of two components—a powder and a fluid—and was mixed directly before use (Osteopal G, Heraeus Medical GmbH, Wehrheim, Germany) [16, 17]. The powder contained 0.325 g gentamicin per 26.5 g pouch of bone cement, and the fluid consisted of methyl methacrylate, dimethyl-p-toluidine, hydroquinone, and colorant E 141 in an ampoule of 10 ml. It was applied intra-operatively for minimal invasive kyphoplasty. The right time for the application was governed through the cement polymerization status. Depending on the need for kyphoplasty bone void filling of the vertebral body after fractures, the dosage was selected with usually 3 ml bone cement per level. It was administered as a single intra-operative injection.

Radiomorphometric evaluations of native two-level X-ray images were performed by two independent clinicians using six landmarks to determine the following medical parameters: the angle of kyphosis—the angle between two tangents attached to the ground and endplate of the radiological sagittal parameters of the spine—and the vertebral body index—the quotient of height of leading and rear edge and the pre- and post-operative height of the centre of the vertebral body (in %). As a reference (100%), the median height of an adjacent non-fractured vertebral body was used.

The primary endpoints were the evaluation of the function by pain scores such as the visual analogue scale (VAS) vertebral spine score [18], the Oswestry-Low-Back-Pain-Disability (ODI) score [19], and the Short Form (SF)-36 Health Status Query [20]. They were measured at up to 7 days before the surgery, during the final examination on day 6, and at 6 and 12 months after the surgery. The radiological examination comprised two-level X-ray-radiographs before the surgery, on the day of the surgery, and during the final examination as well as during the follow-ups at 6 and 12 months and magnetic resonance imaging radiomorphometry [21] of the augmented region preoperatively. All radiological examinations were carried out in lying positions. Furthermore, the cement leakage and the corresponding location were evaluated. Secondary outcomes included the intra- and post-operative assessment of the cement properties such as end of adhesiveness, working time, curing time at the time of and after the application, and the assessment of the amount of injected cement as well as its overall tolerability [22]. In this context, other investigation criteria included the amount of injected cement, imaging and visibility of the cement, the optimal injection pressure, and the complete duration of the surgical procedure.

The overall efficacy was assessed by the clinical investigator and the patients by evidences for a kyphoplasty related infection and a revision of the relevant spine level. The safety of the IMD was evaluated regarding its overall tolerability, the registration of events, and the X-ray diagnosis. Fracture characteristics, vertebral body status, and clinical examinations have been performed.

Only descriptive statistical methods were used in the present trial as there was no control group. Continuous parameters are presented with their means, standard deviations (SDs), medians, first and third quartiles, and minimum and maximum values. Frequencies were calculated for categorical variables. The descriptive summary statistics are presented for continuous baseline data (e.g. age, height) at screening as well as for categorical data (e.g. gender, ethnic origin, nicotine consumption, alcohol consumption, special diet, and reason of fracture). In addition, fracture characteristics and vertebral body status were investigated.

Since no specific hypothesis was tested, no formal calculation of sample size was performed.

The descriptive summary statistics at screening, day 6 post-op, month 6 post-op, and month 12 post-op are presented for the overall VAS vertebral spine score, the ODI score, and for the 8 dimensions of the SF-36 Health Status Query. Additionally, pre- and post-differences (value at post-op visit—screening value) were investigated. The parameters assessed by a radiomorphometric evaluation and two-level X-ray images (angle of kyphosis and vertebral body index) at surgery, day 6 post-op, month 6 post-op, and month 12 post-op were summarised in the scope of descriptive statistics. Mean values of the clinical and radiological parameters during the follow-up were compared to the screening (t test); p values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are given.

A shift analysis was performed on the cement leakage at surgery and day 6 post-op and to evaluate the overall tolerability at day 6, month 6, and month 12 post-op. The number and percentage of patients are given for the cement properties. All of the summary statistics are presented in order to assess the cement application procedure by evaluating the needle depth, needle volume, duration of intervention, and time frames of cement application. The number and percentage of patients are reported for the detectability of applied cement via X-ray at surgery, at month 6, and at month 12 post-op.

The overall efficacy was evaluated by the variables ‘any evidence for a kyphoplasty related infection’ and ‘had a revision of the relevant spinal level to be performed’ was assessed by means of shift tables for each of these two parameters at visits day 6, month 6, and month 12 post-op. For the additional secondary efficacy variable ‘BOS’, the number and percentage of patients are presented at the screening, at day 6, month 6, and month 12 post-op.

The AEs were reported by the investigators and provided in summary incidence tables for all reported AEs. The different proportions of the patients reporting the different AEs and SUEs, and treatment-related AEs were tabulated.

Summary statistics for vital signs and changes from the hospitalisation visit is displayed for all visits. The ECG results at screening and day 6 post-op (final examination) and the results of the physical examination as judged by the investigator were analysed using a shift table. Specifications of clinically relevant results by patient are given in an individual patient data listing. The number and percentage of patients who were still in hospital after the operation are reported by visit (day 4, day 5, and day 6).

Other analysis included previous and concomitant medications, anaesthetic and post-operative medications, number and percentage of patients who experienced any disease and underwent any previous surgery of the vertebral spine, and any complication in a previous vertebral spine intervention are shown.

All evaluations are provided for the SAF population.

The vast majority of patients had a medical history (47 patients [95.9%]). For three patients (6.1%), previous surgery of the vertebral spine was documented. In addition, one patient (2%) had a complication at a previous surgery of the vertebral spine. Physical examination, investigation of the vital signs, and ECG were performed and documented together with the baseline laboratory data. All 49 patients of the SAF population took non-anaesthetics prior or concomitant medication, whereas the most frequent were ‘analgesics’ (43 patients [87.8%]), followed by ‘antithrombotic agents’ (42 patients [85.7%]) and ‘agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system’ (32 patients [65.3%]). The SAF population also took anaesthetics after the surgery and postoperative medication. Frequent anaesthetics and postoperative medications included ‘muscle relaxants’ (48 patients [98%]) and ‘antibacterials for systemic use’ (35 patients [71.4%]).

Before the surgery, a mean value for angle of kyphosis of 9.5 ± 6.2° was revealed. After the surgery, smaller values were measured: 4.1 ± 3.3° at day 0, 6.2 ± 3.5° at day 6, 7.2 ± 4.8° at month 6, and 6.8 ± 4.1° at month 12. Higher mean values of the vertebral index were shown after the surgery compared to the preoperative values (0.8 ± 0.2 at day 0 pre-op, 0.9 ± 0.1 at day 0 post-op, 0.9 ± 0.1 at day 6, 0.9 ± 0.1 at month 6, and 0.9 ± 0.1 at month 12). For both parameters, the best results were revealed directly after the surgery. The results of the radiological investigation (Fig. 1) indicate an immediate and persisting stabilisation of the fractured vertebral bodies.

A mean value of 20.3 ± 1.2 °C for temperature in the operation theatre as well as the temperature of cement ready to use was revealed as this influences the success of the surgery as well [22]. The mean working duration was 4.4 ± 2.0 min. The mean balloon insufflation volume was 3.4 ± 0.9 ml on the left side and 3.3 ± 0.8 ml on the right side. For the majority of patients (28 patients [57.1%]), the overall assessment of cement properties was ‘good’ (Table 1). An ‘excellent’ overall assessment was documented for 21 patients (42.9%). The cement mixing procedure was assessed as ‘good’ for the vast majority of patients (45 patients [91.8%]).

Figure 2 depicts the tests applied for pre- and perioperative monitoring of the cement.

Table 2 shows the evaluation of the timeframes for the cement application with a specific focus on the time of plasticity.

Cement leakage was only documented for one patient (patient no. 4). This patient had a ventral right-sided cement leakage of 0.6 ccm at surgery and at day 6. The time of leakage for the one patient with cement leakage during surgery at the right side was 9.0 min (Table 2).

The X-ray revealed an excellent detectability of the applied cement investigated for the vast majority of patients at surgery and day 6 (47 patients [95.9%] and 40 patients [81.6%], respectively). The detectability was even excellent for the majority of patients (25 patients [51.0%] and 32 patients [65.3%], respectively) at month 6 and month 12.

One of the primary endpoints in this clinical investigation was the ‘evaluation of the function by pain scores’. Each section was scored from 0 to 5 with higher values indicating a more severe impact. For the evaluation of the disability in percent, all available items were used. The mean ODI score decreased significantly from screening with 68 ± 15.8% compared to day 6 (46 ± 19.3%; p < 0.0001; 95% CI 15.65, 26.74), month 6 (42 ± 21.9%; p < 0.0001; 95% CI 15.35, 32.72), and month 12 (43 ± 24.5%; p < 0.0001; 95% CI 14.3, 30.66). Congruently, the mean pre-post differences (value at post-op visit—screening value) were negative. The decreased mean ODI values after the surgery reflect a decrease of the low back pain disability and thereby an improvement on patients’ condition concerning activities of daily living. The decrease of mean ODI score was not significantly different between day 6, month 6, and month 12.

The pain level was documented using the VAS vertebral spine score. The mean VAS vertebral spine score decreased significantly from screening with 68.8 ± 17.6 to day 6 (47.6 ± 16.8; p < 0.0001; 95% CI 16, 25.9), month 6 (43.7 ± 20.3; p < 0.0001; 95% CI 13.85, 29.51), and month 12 (43.8 ± 22.2; p < 0.0001; 95% CI 15.3, 31.4). These results suggest an improvement of the mean pain level after the surgery compared to screening. The decrease of mean VAS vertebral spine score was not significantly different between day 6, month 6, and month 12.

Figure 3 shows the decrease of the low back pain disability as per ODI score. Figure 4 shows an improvement of the mean pain level after the surgery versus the screening as per VAS vertebral spine score.

In addition, an improvement of the general health state over time was shown by increasing the mean values of the SF-36 domain scores (Table 3). The highest increases of the mean value compared to screening were revealed for the domains ‘role limitations due to emotional problems’ (51.9 ± 44.7; month 6), followed by ‘role limitations due to physical health’ (36.1 ± 42.4; month 6), and ‘pain’ (34.6 ± 35.3; month 6).

During the clinical study, four patients (8.2%) experienced at least one adverse event. The documented AEs were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, transient ischaemic attack, bronchial carcinoma, and death. All documented serious AEs (in three patients, 6.1%) were assessed as ‘not related’ to the treatment. Two patients (4.1%) died during the course of this study: one died of bronchial carcinoma, the death of the other patient was not further specified. Both fatal adverse events were assessed as serious but had no relation to the treatment. These cases were documented as discontinuation of the patient.

The evaluation results for the primary endpoints ‘evaluation of function by pain scores’, ‘radiological investigation’, and ‘cement leakage’ revealed overall positive results. After the application of this antibiotic-loaded bone cement, the results suggest an improvement of the mean pain level after the surgery versus the screening. Furthermore, the improvement of the general health state over time as shown by increasing mean values of the SF-36 domain scores was statistically significant.

There was evidence of a decrease of the low back pain disability and thus an improvement of the patients’ condition regarding their daily activities.

This, in total, confirms other study results regarding the application of bone cement as safe and efficient in the kyphoplasty setting [25, 26].

The radiological investigation indicates an immediate and persisting stabilisation and reconstruction of the fractured vertebral bodies for the monitored study timeframe. Therefore, the applied bone cement revealed benefits in this regard. As a new aspect for bone cement suitable for vertebroplasty and/or kyphoplasty, the viscosity of the investigated material also displayed obvious benefits. This, in particular, refers to a reduced rate of leakage compared to other studies. Prior studies identified that 12.1% of the vertebral bodies had a bone cement leakage after percutaneous kyphoplasty [27] or the leakage rate was even more than 50% after vertebral body stenting and balloon kyphoplasties [28]. In this study, cement leakage was only documented for one patient (2%). This patient had a ventral right-sided cement leakage of 0.6 ccm at surgery and at day 6. Moreover, the cement used in the investigation showed proper utilisation characteristics and mostly excellent detectability (95.9% directly post-op) as well as good tolerability [29].

Concerning its overall efficacy, no infections were documented during the study for any of the patients. In addition, none of the assessed patients had a revision of the relevant spinal level between day 6 and month 6 as well as day 6 and month 12. After a 1-year follow-up period, an improved patient safety may be concluded in combination with the results outlined above. Other than the direct data evaluation of biological, chemical, and physical records throughout a study conduct the scoring systems, e.g. SF 36, ODI and others revealed some problems. Due to some patients being advanced in years, assistance was required from the clinical staff to understand and fill in the questionnaires. A second problem that can be observed in many studies was the compliance of the patients regarding the follow-up visits.

No clinically relevant abnormality was detected for vital signs at the respective visits and changes from the hospitalisation visit. Furthermore, the safety evaluation raised no safety concerns related to the kyphoplasty treatment of fractured vertebral bodies, and the antibiotic-loaded bone cement was proved to be well tolerated and safe in the evaluated kyphoplasty setting. It would be interesting to see whether the presented study findings could be verified in a larger patient group. More than that, it could be of interest to investigate those findings in a similar surgical procedure in the same field of indication like it is a vertebroplasty.

The results of this clinical investigation showed that the kyphoplasty treatment of fractured vertebral bodies with antibiotic-loaded bone cement had a beneficial effect concerning low back pain disability, pain level, general health state of the patients, perioperative infections, and the need for a revision. Thereby, the undesirable effect of the underlying disease on patients’ daily life was in general reduced, and it was possible to achieve an improvement on patients’ condition over time. An immediate and persisting stabilisation and reconstruction of the fractured vertebral bodies was radiologically confirmed. The applied bone cement revealed proper utilisation characteristics and mainly excellent detectability as well as tolerability. The viscosity of the investigated material indicated benefits regarding a reduced rate of leakage combined with a decreased risk of infection and improved patient safety after a 1-year follow-up period. In addition, cement leakage was only documented for one patient. As an overall assessment of the cement properties for the treatment of fractured vertebral bodies, it can be stated that this bone cement could be worked homogeneously and evenly during kyphoplasty. Therefore, antibiotic-loaded bone cement excellently fulfils the requirements for bone cement in the area of kyphoplasty. The safety evaluation raised no safety concerns related to the kyphoplasty treatment of fractured vertebral bodies with the investigated medical device. It was well tolerated and safe.

The present study used descriptive statistical methods to analyse properties and benefits regarding application safety of an antibiotic-loaded cement in patients undergoing a one-staged kyphoplasty. Since this study is limited to the descriptive analysis of the cement, no control was necessary in this regard. However, the investigated characteristics of the cement can only be compared to results already published in the literature. Thus, in the future, a comparative study will be helpful to directly compare the present cement with other PMMA cements on the market for further validation.