The purpose of this study is to present the preliminary results after treatment of shoulder sepsis with prolonged implantation of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer in a selected group of compromised patients.

The current study included 11 patients (9 males and 2 females) with a mean age of 64 years (range: 36–79 years). All patients were treated with radical debridement, implantation of an antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate spacer, and 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy. The subjective complaints, range of motion of the shoulder, functional outcome (mini-DASH score), and radiographic findings were evaluated. Nine patients at a mean follow-up time of 21 months (range: 13–18 months) were free of infection with pain relief and adequate shoulder function for activities of daily living. Radiographic evaluation revealed no loosening or fracture of the spacer and no progressive degenerative changes involving the glenoid.

Prolonged implantation of the spacer may be a useful alternative in selected patients with poor general condition.