Using an antibiotic device to prevent infections in open fractures

Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of the STIMULAN Device for the Slow Release of Antibiotics in Exposed Fractures in the Prevention of Infections, and Creation of an AI Predictive Model for the Risk of Infections: a Prospective, Monocentric, Randomized, Blind Study

Not applicable Interventional Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele · NCT06033534

This study is testing whether an antibiotic device can help prevent infections in patients with open fractures.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversità Vita-Salute San Raffaele Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan)
Trial IDNCT06033534 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of the STIMULAN device, an extended-release antibiotic, in preventing infections in patients with open fractures. It is a prospective, single-center, double-blind randomized trial involving 40 patients from the Emergency Department and Orthopedics and Traumatology Unit at IRCSS San Raffaele. Patients will be stratified into high-risk and low-risk infectious subgroups and randomized to receive either the antibiotic device or no device. The follow-up period lasts for 5 days, during which standard laboratory tests will monitor the inflammatory response.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with open fractures requiring surgical intervention, classified as Gustilo-Anderson Type I, II, IIIa, IIIb, or IIIc.

Not a fit: Patients with active infections or severe renal or hepatic insufficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of infections in patients with open fractures.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using antibiotic devices for infection prevention, making this approach a potentially valuable addition to current practices.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Open fractures of any type and location
* Fractures classified as Gustilo-Anderson Type I, II, IIIa, IIIb, IIIc
* Patients requiring surgical intervention for fracture correction
* Patients with no contraindications for antibiotic treatment
* Patients providing informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with active infections
* Patients with a history of allergies or adverse reactions to the antibiotics used in the extended-release device
* Patients with severe renal or hepatic insufficiency
* Non-cooperative patients or those who are unable to adhere to follow-up visits or study procedures due to physical or mental limitations or severe neurological illness
* Patients who have undergone spinal surgery

Where this trial is running

Milan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Open Fracture
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.