# Acute Hypercalcemia Resulting From Antibiotic-Impregnated Calcium Sulfate Beads

## TL;DR

An elderly man with chronic kidney disease developed high blood calcium levels after receiving antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate beads during hip surgery.

## Contribution

This case report highlights hypercalcemia as a rare but important side effect of calcium sulfate bead use in orthopedic surgery.

## Key findings

- The patient developed acute hypercalcemia following the placement of calcium sulfate beads.
- Treatment included intravenous fluids, diuretics, and calcitonin to manage the condition.
- Hypercalcemia is a known but uncommon complication of calcium sulfate bead use.

## Abstract

An 86-year-old man with a history of chronic kidney disease sustained a hip fracture after a mechanical fall, which eventually led to a total hip arthroplasty (THA). During this THA, he was found to have a prosthetic joint infection and underwent debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention, where calcium sulfate beads (CSBs) were placed. He subsequently developed hypercalcemia, requiring intravenous fluids, diuretics, and calcitonin for treatment. This case highlights the development of hypercalcemia after the placement of CSBs, which is a known, although uncommon, side effect.