The use of antibiotic-impregnated cement in revision of total hip arthroplasty procedures is widespread, and a substantial body of evidence demonstrates its efficacy in infection prevention and treatment. However, it is not clear that it is necessary or desirable as a routine means of prophylaxis in primary total joint arthroplasty. In the management of infected implant sites, antibiotic-impregnated cement used in one-stage exchange arthroplasties has lowered reinfection rates. In two-stage procedures, use of beads and either articulating or nonarticulating antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers also has lowered reinfection rates. In addition, spacers reduce "dead space," help stabilize the limb, and facilitate reimplantation. Problems associated with antibiotic-impregnated cement in total joint arthroplasty include weakening of the cement and the generation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in infected implant sites.