Concentration of metronidazole in bones

: Bone and serum concentrations of metronidazole were determined in 16 patients receiving a single dose of metronidazole before total hip replacement. The patients gave written informed consent to the procedure. Bone specimens were taken during the operation. Metronidazole was determined in serum and bone by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 30 to 85 minutes after i.v. infusion of 0.5 g metronidazole (infusion period 20 min.) concentrations in bone ranged from 3 to 25 mg/l. Metronidazole appears suitable for treatment of mixed infections of bone by anaerobes with proven sensitivity. Metronidazole should always be given in combination with another suitable antibiotic.