An inexpensive molding method for antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers in infected total hip arthroplasty

Placement of an antibiotic-impregnated cement endoprosthesis facilitates patient mobilization and treatment of infection complicating total hip arthroplasty. Molds, particularly to form the spherical head of the cement endoprosthesis, are not readily available, however. We have found that the rubber bulb portion of an irrigation syringe can be conveniently used as a mold to shape the proximal end of a cement endoprosthesis during surgery.