Management of orthopedic infections often requires delivery of high doses of antibiotics directly into the area that is infected. One mechanism that we utilize at The Denver Clinic for Extremities at Risk is the use of antibiotic-impregnated beads. 

The advantages of utilizing beads includes:

·   minimal adverse reactions to the high concentration of antibiotic,

·   eliminates issues related to patient compliance with antibiotics,

·   provides a "filler" for managing the space that infected bone is removed from

·   the concentration of antibiotic in the affected area is 100-200 times higher than that achieved with antibiotics taken by mouth.

The surgeon and infectious disease management team determine the appropriate antibiotic, and if a person would benefit from the use of antibiotic beads in managing bone infection.

Surgical nurse making anitibiotic beads before a surgical case to manage bone infection