Effects of vancomycin and tobramycin on compressive and tensile strengths of antibiotic bone cement

A recent study investigated the impact of different concentrations of vancomycin, tobramycin, and their combinations on the compressive and tensile strengths of antibiotic bone cement. Without antibiotics, the cement exhibited strengths of 118 ± 4 MPa (compressive) and 30.3 ± 12 MPa (tensile). Vancomycin alone reduced compressive strength to 108 ± 4 MPa, and tobramycin alone lowered tensile strength to 27.7 ± 7 MPa. Combining vancomycin and tobramycin decreased both compressive (111 ± 5 MPa) and tensile (27.9 ± 8 MPa) strengths. The findings emphasize the need for careful consideration when incorporating these antibiotics into bone cement to avoid potential construct failure.