Antibiotic-loaded cement in total hip replacement: current indications, efficacy, and complications.

Antibiotic-loaded bone cement has been used since the 1960s, and its advantages in the treatment of existing prosthetic infections have been repeatedly demonstrated. Care should be taken to match the antibiotic to the infecting organism, and cement intended for long-term prosthetic fixation should not contain >2 g of antibiotic powder per 80 g of polymethylmethacrylate. The use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement for prophylaxis against infection is controversial and should be used on an individual risk-benefit basis for patient groups at highest risk for development of deep infection.