Detection of gentamicin emission from bone cement in the early postoperative period following total hip arthroplasty.

Abstract

This article describes the characteristics of gentamicin emission from the bone cement-antibiotic complex in the early postoperative period following total hip arthroplasty. Gentamicin levels of the drain fluid taken at 6, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively were measured with a fluorescent polarization immunoassay method. Mean gentamicin concentrations were 2.6, 1.2, and 0.6 mcg/mL, respectively. Age, sex, and body mass index had no significant influence on the outcome. Results showed that the amount of gentamicin in the wound fluid is inversely proportional to the total amount excreted. Twenty-four hours postoperatively, the average gentamicin concentrations in the drain fluid taken from around the endoprosthesis implanted with Palacos-R bone cement (Zimmer Warsaw, Ind), diminished, yet remained above the minimal inhibitory concentration level.