Periprosthetic joint infections in femoral neck fracture patients treated with hemiarthroplasty - should we use antibiotic-loaded bone cement?

Background: Hemiarthroplasty is the most common treatment in elderly patients with displaced intra-capsular femoral neck fracture (FNF). Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most feared and frequent complications post-surgery because of the frail health status of these patients and the need for fast track surgery. Therefore, priorities should lie in effective preventive strategies to mitigate this burden.

Dual antibiotic loaded bone cement in patients at high infection risks in arthroplasty: Rationale of use for prophylaxis and scientific evidence.

In view of the demographic changes and projected increase of arthroplasty procedures worldwide, the number of prosthetic joint infection cases will naturally grow. Therefore, in order to counteract this trend more rigid rules and a stricter implementation of effective preventive strategies is of highest importance. In the absence of a "miracle weapon" priorities should lie in evidence-based measures including preoperative optimization of patients at higher infection risks, the fulfilment of strict hygiene rules in the operating theatre and an effective antibiotic prophylaxis regimen.