[Autologous spongiosa as an antibiotic carrier in the treatment of osteitis].

The treatment of osteomyelitis essentially depends on a bactericidal concentration of antibiotic in bone tissue with an appropriate spectrum. Ciprofloxacin is effective against the main organisms causing osteomyelitis (staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa) at low MIC. We investigated the concentration of ciprofloxacin in human bone. After a single dose (200 mg ciprofloxacin i.v., preoperatively) the concentration in cortical bone was 6.9 +/- 0.8 mcg/g and 9.7 +/- 0.8 mcg/g in cancellous bone. In any case the concentration of ciprofloxacin exceeded the MIC for staph. aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa. For the treatment of osteomyelitis we transferred the antibiotic bound to autologous cancellous bone grafts to the site of inflammation after surgical debridement. First clinical results are documented.