Cefamandole levels in serum and necrotic bone.

Seven patients with chronic osteomyelitis were treated by surgical debridement. Cefamandole was administered intravenously before surgery. During the debridement, cefamandole concentrations were measured in serum and necrotic bone. Although adequate levels of antibiotic were achieved in the serum, minimal or no concentration of antibiotic was found in the necrotic bone. There was only minimal penetration of cefamandole into necrotic bone.