Abstract. Soft tissue defects resulting from trauma and musculoskeletal infections can
complicate surgical treatment. Appropriate temporary coverage of these
defects is essential to achieve the best outcomes for necessary plastic soft
tissue defect reconstruction. The antibiotic bead pouch technique is a
reasonable surgical approach for managing temporary soft tissue defects
following adequate surgical debridement. This technique involves the use of
small diameter antibiotic-loaded bone cement beads to fill the dead space
created by debridement. By applying antibiotics to the bone cement and
covering the beads with an artificial skin graft, high local dosages of
antibiotics can be achieved, resulting in the creation of a sterile wound
that offers the best starting position for soft tissue and bone defect
reconstruction. This narrative review describes the rationale for using this technique,
including its advantages and disadvantages, as well as pearls and pitfalls
associated with its use in daily practice. In addition, the article provides
a comprehensive overview of the literature that has been published since the
technique was introduced in surgical practice.