Implant infections and infection-resistant materials

Abstract

Infection is broadly recognized as one of the most critical and devastating complications associated with the use of biomaterials, particularly in orthopaedic prosthesis surgery. The idea of combining biomaterials with antimicrobial substances for prophylaxis of infections through local delivery was first developed in dentistry and then the combination of antibiotic cement was proposed also in orthopaedic surgery. Various prophylaxis measures or antimicrobial treatments are analysed and their different efficacies are considered. Different strategies in designing and using infection-resistant and anti-infective biomaterials are presented and discussed.