apparatus and methods for dispensing medicinals encapsulated in a biodegrble polymer in surgical and other wounds are described . the apparatus , a microcapsule drug applicator , allows the caregiver to implant or spread measured and uniform quantities of microencapsulated medicinals in or on surgical or traumatic wounds to prevent and / or treat infections . specific examples where microencapsulated antibiotics may prove useful include , soft - tissue wounds , following debridement and reduction or fixation of open fractures , to osteomyelitic bone after surgical debridement , after surgical insertion of prostheses such as hip / knee replacements , and following vascular surgery or grafting .