Background The coating of intramedullary rods with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement containing antibiotics ensures a high concentration of antibiotics locally and stability in fractures that are not yet consolidated. However, bone cement can detach when the implant is removed and remain in the medullary cavity of the long bones. Case report After a periprosthetic knee infection, a 56-year-old patient suffered from a painful reinfection of Staphylococcus epidermidis. This was an indication for removal of the prosthesis. Operation After soft-tissue debridement and synovectomy, rotating hinge prosthesis that had been inserted was removed. Humeral nails coated with PMMA cement containing antibiotics were used as temporary intramedullary implants. To prevent the bone cement from detaching when the implant was removed and cement residue from remaining in the bone, the humeral nails were reinforced with cerclage wire. The coated implant was then press fit into the medullary cavity.