Systems and methods for forming an antimicrobial orthopedic implant

A method of forming an antimicrobial implant comprising:

• providing a container having a first end and a second end, and an inner surface extending between the first and seconds ends, the inner surface defining a container cavity, wherein the first end defines an opening extending into the container cavity;
• placing a reservoir of a vaporizable antimicrobial agent in the container cavity, wherein the inner surface comprises a material that is non-absorbent to the vaporizable antimicrobial agent;
• placing an orthopedic implant in the container cavity through the first end, the orthopedic implant defining an outer surface;
• sealing the first end of the container so as to seal the container cavity;
• heating the container while sealed so as to heat the outer surface of the orthopedic implant and the reservoir of vaporizable antimicrobial agent so as to cause a vaporization of the antimicrobial agent;
• and,
• cooling the container while sealed;
• wherein the heating and cooling of the container causes the vaporized antimicrobial agent to adsorb on the outer surface of the orthopedic implant such that an antimicrobial coated orthopedic implant is formed having a surface area concentration of antimicrobial agent on the outer surface of the orthopedic implant that is sufficient to produce an effective zone of inhibition of at least 0.5 mm from a periphery of the outer surface.