antibiotic cements
Antibiotic cements are advanced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)–based bone cements enhanced with antimicrobial agents to provide both mechanical stability and infection control during orthopedic procedures. They are widely used in primary joint arthroplasty, revision surgeries, and the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI).
By embedding antibiotics such as gentamicin, vancomycin, or tobramycin, these cements deliver high local concentrations of the drug directly at the surgical site—far higher than what is achievable through systemic therapy alone—while maintaining minimal systemic toxicity. This targeted drug release helps prevent bacterial colonization, biofilm formation, and early postoperative infections.
In revision surgeries for infected implants, antibiotic cements play a crucial role by forming temporary spacers that preserve joint space, maintain limb length, improve patient mobility, and provide continuous antimicrobial action until the infection is controlled.
