Penetration of moxifloxacin and levofloxacin into cancellous and cortical bone in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

Penetration of levofloxacin and moxifloxacin into cancellous and cortical bone was studied using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 16 patients who underwent routine total hip arthroplasty. Our results demonstrate a good degree of penetration into bone for both quinolones. The mean cancellous penetration was 53.86% for moxifloxacin and 54.13% for levofloxacin. The penetration into cortical bone was 41.59% and 34.26% respectively. The concentrations for both quinolones were above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC(90s)) for the most common pathogens, so they can be used for the treatment of osteomyelitis.