title: Newer methods of antimicrobial delivery for bone and joint infections.
abstract: The advantages of systemic therapy include the ability to deliver antibiotics to areas that cannot be reached with topical therapy, the choice of a large selection of agents directed against the pathogens encountered in orthopaedic infections, and arrest or eradication of infection in most cases (in conjunction with adequate débridement). Disadvantages include the potential for toxicity from systemic agents, difficulty in achieving high concentrations of antimicrobial agents at the site of infection, and problems with compliance. To combat these disadvantages, newer methods for the delivery of antimicrobial agents have been investigated. Some of these newer methods include new formulations of antimicrobial agents to decrease systemic toxicity and improved methods for delivering local antimicrobial therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Holtom
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Patzakis
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001850:Bone Diseases, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001843:Bone Cements; D004337:Drug Carriers; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate