The Clinical Use of Cephapirin Sodium in Total Hip Arthroplasty and Measurement of Plasma and Bone Levels

Cephapirin sodium, a new parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic recommended for use perioperatively, was administered to 50 consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Blood and bone concentrations extracted simultaneously were measured, and excellent penetration of cephapirin into bone was demonstrated. No infection was observed in any patient after surgery. Few instances of adverse reactions were noted. Although some patients developed phlebitis, no case was severe.