Abstract In order to study the influence of chitosan on bone infection, 27 New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups. According to the Norden technique, the model of osteomyelitis of the tuberosity of tibia was produced experimentally by injection of staphylococcus aureus.Immediately following injection of the staphylococci, the chitosan gel, acetic acid solution and sterile distilled water were injected into the bones in the 3 groups respectively. The latter two groups were served as control. The severity of the infection was evaluated by clinical symptoms and signs, radiographicdata as well as the bone culture and bacterial counts. Compared the results from chitosan with the other two controls, it was found that the local injection ofchitosan could not reduce the incidence of bone infection, however, it could provide actual improvement when other data were concerned. The effects of chitosangel might be attributed to its bacteriostatic and immunological activity as well as its slow degradation in the body.
In order to observe the curative effect and general reaction of locally used adriamycin (ADM)-loaded chitosan drug delivery system on giant cell tumor of bone after curettage. The cavities of 4 cases of giant cell tumor after curettage were filled with ADM-loaded chitosan drug delivery system with 4 times the dosage usually used for intravenous application. After operation, the concentration of ADM in plasma on the 1st, 2nd and 5th day, and the functions of liver and kidney on the 1st week, 1st month and 6th month were all investigated. The results were that the concentration of ADM in plasma was (143.05 +/- 27.55) ng/ml, (52.17 +/- 11.28) ng/ml and (4.25 +/- 3.07) ng/ml respectively, and the functions of liver and kidney were all normal in 6 months. After a follow-up of 7-19 months, no local or general reactions were observed and X-ray showed no recurrence. Therefore, it was concluded that the locally used ADM-loaded chitosan delivery system was safe and effective in treatment of giant cell tumor of bone after curettage.