An in vitro study was carried out comparing the elution characteristics of
Palacos-R and CMW acrylic cements. Three groups of 6 antibiotic-loaded ceme
nt disks were prepared, incorporating 1.0 g vancomycin and 2.4 g tobramycin
per 40 g packet of cement. Palacos-R bone cement was used for group 1, CMW
1 for group 2, and CMW 3 for group 3. The disks were placed in saline bath
s for 9 weeks. The baths were periodically sampled and elution rates calcul
ated CMW 1 released 24% less tobramycin and 36% less vancomycin than Palaco
s-R over the total study period (P <.05). CMW 3 released 34% less tobramyci
n and 38% less vancomycin than Palacos-R (P <.05). There was no significant
difference in antibiotic release between CMW I and CMW 3. The in vitro elu
tion characteristics of Palacos-R are superior to CMW.