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Published on: March 14, 2019
Diffusion of antibiotics from acrylic bone-cement in vitro
Summary
Antibiotic elution from bone cement was studied. Clindamycin offered the longest protection against gram-positive bacteria, but topical or intravenous antibiotics are likely more effective for tissue infection control.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Infectious disease
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic-loaded bone cement is used for orthopedic infections.
- The elution profile and efficacy of antibiotics from cement are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro diffusion and antimicrobial activity of Fucidin, gentamicin, and clindamycin from acrylic bone cement.
- To compare the duration and spectrum of activity of these antibiotics when incorporated into bone cement.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro system was used to test antibiotic diffusion from acrylic cement.
- The antimicrobial activity against relevant organisms was monitored over time.
Main Results:
- Fucidin showed short-lived activity, exclusively against gram-positive organisms.
- Gentamicin inhibited gram-positive organisms for 22 days and gram-negative organisms for 11 days.
- Clindamycin demonstrated significant activity against gram-positive organisms for 56 days.
Conclusions:
- Clindamycin provides the longest duration of antimicrobial activity from bone cement among the tested antibiotics.
- Topical or intravenous antibiotic administration during surgery may be more effective for achieving therapeutic antibiotic concentrations in tissues compared to cement incorporation.
