Septopal beads are a type of antibiotic medication used to treat bone infections. They are small, round beads made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is a type of plastic, that are impregnated with the antibiotic gentamicin.
Septopal beads are implanted during surgery directly into the site of the infection. The beads slowly release gentamicin over time, which helps to kill the bacteria that are causing the infection. Septopal beads are typically used in conjunction with other antibiotics that are taken by mouth or intravenously.
Septopal beads are a useful treatment for chronic osteomyelitis, which is a bone infection that has been present for more than six weeks. They can also be used to treat other types of bone infections, such as those that occur after surgery or trauma.
Here are some important things to know about Septopal beads:
- They are only available in certain countries.
- They are typically expensive.
- They can cause side effects, such as inflammation at the implantation site and hearing loss.
- They are not a cure for bone infections, but they can help to control the infection and allow the bone to heal.