OSSEOUS CONCENTRATIONS OF GENTAMICIN AFTER IMPLANTATION OF ACRYLIC BONE-CEMENT IN SHEEP FEMORA

17 sheep received femoral implantation of 'Cerafix Genta', containing gentamicin 0.6 or 1.2 g per dose either unilaterally (first 3 sheep) o r bilaterally (remaining 14 sheep). Highest concentrations in bone wer e measured after 24 and 48 post-operative hours (respectively 36 and 7 2 mg/kg for Cerafix 0.6 g and 1.2 g). Gentamicin concentrations in ban e marrow and femoral heads were in the same range. Blood and urine con centrations of gentamicin measured in sheep were comparable to those o btained in man. An extrapolation of the gentamicin behaviour from shee p to humans, might be possible: the sheep weight and femoral dimension s were comparable to those of humans and the method of implantation wa s similar in man and animal. For up to 18 months after operation, gent amicin levels in bone were always higher than critical concentration ( 4 mg/kg). For the early post-operative period, blood and urine levels always remained below gentamicin toxic concentrations.