[Release of antibiotics from bone cement and penetration to infected cortical bone (author's transl)]

Addition of antibiotics to bone cement is used more and more in orthopedics and traumatology. Indications are discussed: 1. infection prophylaxis in replacement arthroplasty, 2. therapy and recidive prophylaxis in infected arthroplasty, 3. therapy of chronic osteomyelitis. Our own experiments show release of antibiotics from bone cement Palacos and penetration into cortical bone after experimental osteomyelitis. Carbenicillin and Cephalotin show high level of concentration for 2 weeks, after 3 weeks there is no concentration evident. Lincomycin and Gentamycin in the first days show high tissue levels, after decrease and increase again after second week. Gentamycin was examined during 10 months showing high levels after this time.