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 highpressure 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.