In vitro elution of moxifloxacin from cancellous bone allografts.

The characteristics of cancellous bone allografts as carriers of moxifloxacin are described. Particles of cancellous bone were compressed into a wire-mesh cylinder and impregnated into a solution of moxifloxacin for different time periods. Five replicas were impregnated for 1 h; another five for 24 h; and another five for 48 h. Impregnated allografts were then transferred into vials containing 5 ml of Mueller-Hinton broth and incubated at 37 degrees C. Broth was replaced daily. Concentrations of moxifloxacin in broth were determined after analysis by an high performance liquid chromatography system. Moxifloxacin was eluted at very high concentrations within the first days. Concentrations remained above 100 microg/ml until day 8 and above 40 microg/ml until day 20. It is concluded that cancellous bone allografts may allow the adequate in vitro elution of moxifloxacin. The latter results support their application in experimental models of osteomyelitis.