Antibiotic-laden cement: technique for uniform manual mixing.

Abstract

The use of polymethyl methacrylate has revolutionized surgical technique in total joint arthroplasty. In addition, in an effort to reduce the rate of infections as well as to treat active infections, the practice of adding powdered antibiotics to the cement has become commonplace. A simple and efficient technique of mixing antibiotic powder into cement that creates a uniform distribution of antibiotic is introduced. In addition, this process reduces the presence of "antibiotic voids," which, if present can alter the physical properties of the cement itself.