US clears Exactech's shoulder pre-formed antibiotic bone cement spacer:

Exactech has gained FDA go-ahead to market what it claims is the only pre-formed bone cement shoulder spacer that contains an antibiotic available in the US. Its InterSpace shoulder is similar to its other InterSpace products for hips and knees - which were introduced in 2004 - in that it provides consistent and uniform antibiotic release into the local infected area. As with the previous products, it also confers mechanical advantages by maintaining the joint space, and offers patients mobility during the interval of spacer management and the opportunity for improved function following the definitive second-stage operation, said the Gainesville, Florida firm. InterSpace is manufactured by Tecres, of Verona, Italy, and distributed in the US exclusively by Exactech.