Use of antibiotic-impregnated cement during hip and knee arthroplasty in the United States

A survey of practicing orthopaedists regarding their use of antibiotic(s) in bone-cement (ABC) was carried out. The initial sampling of 2,139 orthopaedists spanned the continental United States. Responses that passed fail-edit criteria were obtained from 1,015 physicians. Clinical practice patterns are highly variable. Adult reconstructive orthopaedic practitioners' belief in antibiotic(s) in bone-cement for the treatment of patients with previous sepsis is favorable. This opinion can be supported at the guideline level. Guidelines suggesting that liquid antibiotics should not be used as additions to polymethyl methacrylate are also supportable. The need for careful scientific inquiry and cost-effectiveness evaluation of the benefits and risks relating to the use of antibiotic additions to polymethyl methacrylate cement in joint arthroplasty exists. On the basis of such inquiry, educational dissemination to reduce practice variation would be indicated.