The research group in the Oxford Bone Infection Research Hub conduct clinical trials and research studies in the treatment, prevention and epidemiology of bone infections
Welcome to the OxBi Hub. The aim of the Oxford Bone Infection Research Hub is to encourage collaboration between scientists, clinicians and industry to promote research in all aspects of bone infection.
Treatment
Previously, we have shown with the OVIVA trial that antibiotics given orally are not inferior to intravenous delivery for complex orthopaedic infections. This is better for practice, for patients and for the health economy.
Recently, we have completed the SOLARIO trial which has shown that, in the presence of locally implanted antibiotics, a short course of systemic antibiotics (<= 7days) is non-inferior to current practice (> 4 weeks systemic antibiotics) when treating orthopaedic infection In addition, there are significantly fewer side effects with a short systemic antibiotic regime. We anticipate that these findings will benefit patients, limit resistance selection and thereby improve antimicrobial stewardship.
Currently, we are contributing to the MODIC Trial which aims to investigate the utility of a locally injected antibiotic/carrier combination in the management of selected patients with low back pain. If this proves to be effective, it may provide an additional treatment option for a common symptom which often interferes with patients’ quality of life.
Epidemiology
To improve outcomes for patients with Necrotising Otitis Externa (NOE), and to inform the first national guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, we are collecting data on demographics, clinical presentation, surgical and medical management, and outcomes from patients with possible NOE for the IONOE study.
Prevention
To help prevent surgical site infections, we have initiated the RIIiO trial which compares patient warming techniques used during hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture. We have completed a pilot study that has shown robust recruitment and data management strategies and that the warming methods are safe to use and equally effective. Funding is now sought to conduct an adequately powered full trial to compare the incidence of infection.