Sequential levels of ceftriaxone in intervertebral disc removed as part of scoliosis surgery.

A single intravenous loading dose of 1 g ceftriaxone was injected at different intervals before surgery for correction of spinal scoliosis. Serum and concomitant disc samples were obtained and assay was performed using high-pressure liquid chromatography. Data showed that the antibiotic levels in intervertebral disc space reached 3.5 mcg/mg, which is above the minimum inhibitory concentration for most of the relevant pathogens, as early as 1 hour after intravenous administration. These therapeutic levels were maintained for more than 5 hours, an accepted period for most spinal surgical procedures.