antibiotic bone cement

Antibiotic bone cement is a composite material consisting of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement loaded with one or more antibiotics. It is used in orthopedic surgery for both the prevention and treatment of infections associated with prosthetic joint implantation and other orthopedic procedures. The primary mechanism involves localized delivery of high concentrations of antibiotics directly at the surgical site, which helps prevent or treat periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), especially those caused by staphylococci such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis[1][2][3]. Commonly used antibiotics include gentamicin, vancomycin, clindamycin, tobramycin, daptomycin, teicoplanin, ceftazidime, imipenem and aztreonam; these may be used alone or in combination depending on local resistance patterns and clinical need[2][5][7]. Antibiotic bone cements are available as commercial ready-to-use products (e.g., COPAL G+C contains gentamicin plus clindamycin) or can be hand-mixed intraoperatively. While effective at reducing infection rates in high-risk patients undergoing arthroplasty or revision surgery[1][6], concerns exist regarding mechanical strength reduction when high doses are used[3], potential induction of bacterial resistance if subtherapeutic levels persist after initial elution[4], lack of standardized protocols for mixing/dosing[4], allergic reactions to components[3], and cost-effectiveness in low-risk populations.

Brand names

COPAL G+C

Other names

antibiotic-loaded bone cementALBCantibiotic cementantibiotic-loaded cement