USE OF ANTIBIOTIC-IMPREGNATED POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE IN HORSES WITH OPEN OR INFECTED FRACTURES OR JOINTS - 19 CASES (1987-1995)

Objective - To evaluate the clinical efficacy of antibiotic-impregnate d polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in horses with open or infected fract ures or joints in which internal fixation or external coaptation devic es were used. Design - Retrospective case series. Animals - 19 horses in which antibiotic-impregnated PMMA was used as part of the treatment regimen. Procedures - Medical records of each horse were reviewed, an d owners and trainers were contacted to provide additional information . Results - Musculoskeletal problems in these horses included 10 fract ures of long bones, 2 comminuted phalangeal fractures, 5 joint injurie s, and 2 chronically septic joints in which ankylosis was stimulated. Nine horses had open fractures, 8 had closed wounds and developed infe ction after internal fixation of fractures, and 2 had chronically sept ic joints. Bony union was achieved in 15 of 19 horses. Twelve horses w ere discharged from the hospital and survived long term. Gentamicin su lfate, tobramycin sulfate, amikacin sulfate, and cefazolin sodium were used in PMMA. Clinical implications - Use of antibiotic-impregnated P MMA provided high local concentrations of antibiotics and should be co nsidered in the treatment of horses with open fractures and acute and chronic bone and joint infections.