The radiology of antibiotic-impregnated cement.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to illustrate the radiologic appearances of the various forms of antibiotic-impregnated cement.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the radiologic appearances of antibiotic-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and regular PMMA are identical, peculiarities in the position and morphology of antibiotic-impregnated cement, as illustrated in this review, usually enable the radiologist to differentiate between the two. Its presence indicates one of two things: Either infection was present at the time the PMMA cement was inserted, or there was a high potential for the development of local sepsis, such as in cases of an open fracture. On the basis of this finding, the radiologist should carefully search for evidence of osteomyelitis.
Heffernan
Eric J
EJ
Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia, Jimmy Pattison Pavilion South, 899 W 12th Ave., Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada. ejheffernan@eircom.net
Alkubaidan
Fahad O
FO
White
Lawrence M
LM
Masri
Bassam A
BA
Munk
Peter L
PL
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement; D018441:Biofilms; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000737:chemistry*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000187:drug effects; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000737:chemistry*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D012086:Reoperation
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001843:Bone Cements; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate