Presentation
Infected right total hip prosthesis removed and cement plugs inserted to treat joint infection.
Patient Data
Age: 60
Gender: Male
From the case:
Antibiotic-loaded cement plugs
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Cement plugs containing antibiotics are placed in the joint space created by removal of the infected total hip prosthesis. Note surrounding soft tissue swelling and bony fragmentation.
Case Discussion
Infections in orthopedic surgery are a serious issue. Antibiotic-loaded bone cement was developed for the treatment of infected joint arthroplasties and for prophylaxis in total joint replacement. The plugs are removed prior to reimplantation, and the prosthesis reinserted only when biopsies and culture of the synovial tissues are negative for infection.