Introduction: Severe infections of the temporal bone can present as a significant challenge in terms of clinical management. One of the most pertinent issues is achieving an adequate level of local antibiotic concentration over an extended period of time. To address this question, we conducted an evaluation of the additional benefit of antibiotic-coated calcium sulfate pellets in a heterogeneous group of temporal bone infections.

Methods: This retrospective case series presents the audiometric and clinical outcomes, including reinfection- and revision-free follow-up, of patients who underwent a surgical debridement followed by the application of topical antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate pellets.

Results: A total of 4 patients were included (3 females, 1 male, mean age of 29.5 years (SD 19.8)). All patients (4/4) had a revision-free follow-up during a mean of 24.5 (SD 6,19) months. Reinfections (n=3) were observed in two patients (2/4) occurring 1 and 15, as well as 8 months after surgery. Reinfections could be successfully treated using topically and/or orally applied antibiotic therapy. No change in air-conducted pure-tone average was observed after treatment (mean change 1.3 dB, p=0.99).

Conclusion: The combination of surgical debridement and additional local antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate pellets can be considered an effective combination for regional control of advanced temporal bone infections.

Müller-Goebel JM, Bächinger D, Röösli C, Huber A, Dalbert A. Efficacy of Calcium Sulfate Antibiotic Carriers in the Treatment of Severe Infections of the Temporal Bone. Otol Neurotol Open. 2024;4(3):e061. doi:10.1097/ono.000000000000006

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