Clinical application of antibacterial hydrogel and coating in orthopaedic and traumatology surgery

Implant related infection is one of the most frequent complications in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. Local antibiotic treatment strategies are becoming part of the prevention and treatment methodology for this fearful complication. To date, there are two coatings available on the market, both with a polylactic acid base. Current evidence supports the use of these types of coatings in the prophylaxis of periprosthetic infections and fracture-related infections. However, their ther-apeutic use has been less investigated. The purpose of this article is to summarise recent evidence relating to the clinical application of antibacterial hydrogels and coatings in orthopaedic and trau-matology surgery and indicating which future applications may benefit from it.