title: Modes of local drug delivery to the musculoskeletal system.
abstract: A number of methods for the local delivery of drugs to musculoskeletal tissues in the horse are now available. Further research is required to document the disposition of drugs delivered by such methods and to correlate this information with efficacy. Perhaps the greatest potential area for the methods discussed is the treatment of synovial and bone infections. To be able to provide high and sustained therapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials to the site of infection should increase the chances of success in such cases. These methods of drug delivery need to be used in conjunction with other management procedures, however, including bacterial culture and sensitivity procedures, systemic antimicrobials, surgical drainage, removal of dead bone or surgical implants, establishment of fracture stability, use of autogenous bone grafts, systemic NSAIDs, and rest.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Veterinary, Animal, and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. B.H.Anderson@massey.ac.nz
authors.forename: B H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Ethell
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006736:Horses; D007267:Injections / Q000662:veterinary; D007478:Iontophoresis / Q000662:veterinary; D007596:Joints / Q000293:injuries; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000662:veterinary; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local