Current projects
Prevention of external fixator pin site infection with a novel antibiotic-impregnated collar (J Walker, R Bayston, B Scammell, Arthritis Research UK Fellowship 2010)
This pilot study will determine the effectiveness of a novel antibiotic impregnated collar designed to reduce the number of pin site infections encountered during external fixation for orthopaedic and spinal injuries.
The antibiotic collar is designed to sit around the pin site, preventing bacteria from contaminating the pins and causing infection. The novel concept is that this device can be easily removed from the pin, washed and replaced as required without compromising its longterm activity. The study will also identify which bacteria are commonly associated with pin site infection and consider whether some groups of patients are more at risk of developing infection than others. (See press release about the Arthritis Research UK Fellowshiop award.)
Efficacy of pre-operative patient skin preparation using Chloraprep (R Bayston, B Scammell, Waheed Ashraf, Lisa Whittington)
This pilot study will determine the effectiveness of a commercially available chlorhexidine preparation in reducing the number of bacteria in the skin before surgery. Novel approaches include the use of skin biopsy. It is part of a larger study on pre-operative patient skin preparation.
Suitablility of current antibiotic prophylaxis for neck of femur fractures and arthroplasty (R Bayston, B scammell, W Ashraf, Jenny Paterson)
This study investigates whether current antibiotics, chosen on the basis of data 15 years ago, are still appropriate for patients undergoing hip surgery. Results will inform modifications to prophylaxis.
Treatment of Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) (Mat Daniel, Ryan Lee, Katie Belfield, Roger Bayston, John Birchall)
We have established that OME is a biofilm infection of the middle ear. We are now applying our knowledge of biofilms to development of treatment for OME that will be significantly superior to that currently available, where recurrence is common. Approaches include biodegradable polymer vehicles for drugs, magnetic nanoparticles, and compounds that might be able to disrupt the biofilm and enhance antibiotic effect.
Osteoconductive antimicrobial biodegradable bone substitutes for bone trauma treatment (J McLaren, B Scammell, R Bayston, K Shakesheff, et al)
Open fractures are often contaminated or infected, and fixation has to be delayed until bacteria have been eradicated with antibiotics.Our aim is to be able to apply a bone substitute to the fracture that will allow bone growth at the same time as eradicating infection, so avoiding delay in treatment. Preliminary results show that this is possible and we are now refining the approach.
Further development of a longterm antimicrobial urinary catheter( R Bayston, L Fisher, W Ashraf, R Parkinson, A Hook, E Smith, et al)
Having developed an antimicrobial catheter that is able to prevent bacterial colonisation for 2-3 months, we are now investigating its ability to reduce or delay the mineral encrustation that often causes obstruction of these devices.