Prosthetic joint infections: gentamicin and vancomycin concentrations in serum and urine after implantation of antibiotic-loaded spacers in patients and safety

Infection is the most serious complication following orthopaedic surgery. Local delivery of antibiotics is a way of reducing the infection frequency and severity. PMMA cements loaded with gentamicin or vancomycin are utilized as drug local carrier to treat prosthetic orthopaedic infections. The resistance to aminoglycosides is increasing and the combination with vancomycin (V) is useful in orthopaedic infections. Gentamicin (G) and V are known to have a potential nephrotoxic effect, especially when administered in combination for systemic use.