Bead size has a greater effect on in vitro elution from antimicrobial-impregnated calcium sulfate beads than drug concentration.

Objective: To compare the elution characteristics of amikacin-impregnated calcium sulfate (CaSO4) beads based on different drug concentrations and bead size configurations.

Sample: Six groups of amikacin-impregnated CaSO4 beads and one negative control group.

Procedures: Amikacin-impregnated CaSO4 beads were formed with either 500 mg (low-concentration) or 1 g (high-concentration) of amikacin per 15 g CaSO4 hemihydrate powder.