OBJECTIVE: To determine the elution characteristics of the antibiotic (gentamicin) mixed with bone cement. METHODS: 480mg of gentamicin was added to 40g of bone cement. Ten specimens were immersed in buffered saline solution for 28 days. Samples of days 1, 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28 were analyzed by the fluorescence polarization immunoassay method. RESULTS: Most of the gentamicin was eluted from the cement in the first 24 hours. A gradual downslide occurred between days 2 and 14. By the 28th day, there was no trace of the antibiotic. CONCLUSION: The mixture released high amounts of the antibiotic in a predictable (therapeutic) manner during at least fourteen days.
Infection; Osteomyelitis; Polymethylmethacrylate; Gentamicin
