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2 Antibiotics for Orthopaedic Infections

Antibiotics play a critical role in the treatment of bone and joint infections. In clinical practice, antibiotics may be delivered intravenously, orally, or topically, alone or as part of a delivery mechanism. This chapter will discuss the most commonly used oral and intravenous antibiotics in orthopaedic infections, their efficacy and bioavailability, and important considerations when using these antibiotics for patient care. This chapter will additionally focus on the use of topical antibiotics and nondegradable/biodegradable carriers for antibiotic delivery, such as the use of heat-stable antibiotics in cement spacers. The information presented here is designed for use as a clinical reference to provide guidance on the care of patients with orthopaedic infections including osteomyelitis, septic joints, and periprosthetic joint infections.