The use of antibiotic-containing bead chains in the treatment of chronic bone infections

The implantation of gentamicin polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) chains or mini chains into infected osteomyelitic cavities is a well-established local ant ibiotic therapy supplementary to radical debridement. The gentamicin concen trations achieved at the site of infection are far above the MICs for most common pathogens in chronic osteomyelitis. Serum and urine concentrations a re low and nephrotoxic and ototoxic side-effects of this form of gentamicin application are not to be feared. Under local antibiotic therapy with gent amicin PMMA chains, primary wound healing as in aseptic surgery can be expe cted. Prolonged systemic antibiotic therapy is unnecessary. In a series of 405 cases, a success rate of 90.4% was obtained.