Use of quinolones for the treatment of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.

The low minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations of the quinolones for most pathogenic gram-negative and many gram-positive organisms, the ease of their administration, and their good oral absorption make them good candidates for the treatment of chronic bone infections. Data presently available suggest that the quinolones are effective in the treatment of experimental osteomyelitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, osteomyelitis due to other gram-negative organisms, and (when combined with rifampin) in the treatment of gram-positive osteomyelitides. Quinolones have also been shown to be effective in the treatment of experimental septic arthritis. These results were confirmed by clinical studies. Quinolones have been effective in the treatment of patients with gram-negative bacterial bone infections and have been as effective as conventional antistaphylococcal therapy in the treatment of osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, it should be kept in mind that as yet quinolones have not been released for use as therapy for childhood infections.