[Penetration of antibiotics into the intervertebral disk]

The role of antibiotics in the treatment and prevention of postoperative spondylodiscitis is still controversial. In a group of 15 patients operated on account of lumbar discopathy, the authors investigated the penetration of antibiotics into the intervertebral disc, in correlation to serum levels, when antibiotics were administered during operation. Despite high serum levels rolitetracycline was not detected in extirpated material of the disc, gentamycin reached 2-6% serum levels. The authors give an account of views on the role of antibiotics in the prophylaxis of postoperative spondylodiscitis and recommend their administration in particular in risk groups. They recommend antibiotics in case of early diagnosis of postoperative spondylodiscitis, in the later stages of the disease the role of antibiotics is controversial.