Innovative antimicrobial coating of titanium implants with iodine

Background: Postoperative infection associated with implants remains a serious complication in orthopedic surgery. Several biomaterial surface treatments have been proposed as a means of reducing the incidence of implantassociated infections. In this study, a clinical trial was performed using an iodine-supported titanium that suppresses the microbial activities. Methods: A total of 222 patients with postoperative infection or compromised status were treated using iodinesupported titanium implants. The mean age of the patients was 49.4 years (range 5-85 years). One hundred twentyseven patients were male and 95 were female. In 158 patients, iodine-supported implants were used to prevent infection, such as compromised hosts and conditions, and in 64 patients to treat active infection. White blood cell (WBCs) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured pre- and postoperatively in all patients. To confirm whether iodine from the implant affected physiological functions, thyroid hormone levels in the blood were examined. Both examinations were conducted sequentially for a year. Radiological evaluations were performed regularly after the operation. The chronological changes of the iodine amount were evaluated using half pins removed after completion of external fixation. Results: The mean follow-up period was 18.4 months (range 3-44 months). Acute infection developed in three tumor cases among the 158 patients on preventive therapy. All three recovered without removal of the implants. Infection was cured in all 64 patients with infection. Median WBC levels were in the normal range, and median CRP levels returned to