Comparison of the elution properties of commercially available gentamicin and bone cement containing vancomycin with ‘home-made’ preparations

What is it about?

Vancomycin powder is commonly added to PMMA bone cement in theatre in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection. We compared in vitro antibiotic elution of commercially produced vancomycin and gentamicin impregnated cement with gentamicin containing cement to which we added vancomycin powder by hand. Elution of both antibiotics was significantly greater from the 'home-made' cement suggesting there is no clear advantage of expensive commercially produced vancomycin loaded cement.

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