This literature review discusses the use of antibiotic loaded polymethylmethacrylate bone cements in arthroplasty. The clinically relevant differences that have to be considered when antibiotic loaded bone cements (ALBC) are used either for long-term implant fixation or as spacers for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections are outlined. In this context, in vitro findings for antibiotic elution and material properties are summarized and transferred to clinical use.