Which statement correctly describes a limitation of antibiotic-impregnated cement?

• A. It is not a substitute for systemic antibiotics.
• B. It eliminates systemic infection risk.
• C. It provides broad-spectrum coverage beyond local environment.
• D. It has no toxicity risk.

Answer: (B)

Antibiotic-impregnated cement provides high local concentrations of antibiotic right at the prosthesis-bone interface, helping to prevent or treat infection locally where bacteria tend to form biofilms. Its key limitation is that it cannot replace systemic antibiotics. The antibiotic released from the cement acts mainly in the surrounding tissue and within the local environment, and its effectiveness diminishes over time. If there is systemic infection risk, bacteremia, or pathogens outside the immediate vicinity of the cement, systemic antibiotics are still needed. In short, the cement is a helpful adjunct for local control, but it does not eliminate the need for systemic therapy.