Use of antibiotic-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate in horses with open or infected fractures or joints: 19 cases (1987–1995)

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of antibiotic-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in horses with open or infected fractures or joints in which internal fixation or external coaptation devices 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, and owners and trainers were contacted to provide additional information. Results Musculoskeletal problems in these horses included 10 fractures of long bones, 2 comminuted phalangeal fractures, 5 joint injuries, and 2 chronically septic joints in which ankylosis was stimulated. Nine horses had open fractures, 8 had closed wounds and developed infection after internal fixation of fractures, and 2 had chronically septic joints. Bony union was achieved in 15 of 19 horses. Twelve horses were discharged from the hospital and survived long term. Gentamicin sulfate, tobramycin sulfate, amikacin sulfate, and cefazolin sodium were used in PMMA. Clinical Implications Use of antibiotic-impregnated PMMA provided high local concentrations of antibiotics and should be considered in the treatment of horses with open fractures and acute and chronic bone and joint infections. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1997; 211:889–893)