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Septic osteitis of the distal phalanx: findings and surgical treatment in 18 cases
Author(s) -
CAUVIN E. R. J.,
MUNROE G. A.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04527.x
Subject(s) - medicine , osteitis , surgery , convalescence , debridement (dental) , periosteal reaction , osteomyelitis , phalanx , radiological weapon , radiography , pathological
Summary Eighteen cases of septic osteitis of the distal phalanx were diagnosed clinically and confirmed at surgery over a 6 year period (1990–1996). Focal bone lysis was the most common radiographic finding. Sequestra were identified in 4 horses, one of which was associated with a fractured plantar process. All the horses were treated surgically with open debridement. The septic process recurred in 4 horses: one was subjected to euthanasia due to navicular bursa infection, secondary to a pathological fracture, the other 3 horses responded to further debridement. A pathological fracture occurred in another horse. All the survivors were not lame 3 months post operatively, although complete healing took 1–12 months. Long term follow up was available in 14 cases. One was retired, all the other horses were back in work at a similar level of performance. This series indicates that surgical treatment of septic pedal osteitis carries a fair to good prognosis despite a high rate of post operative complications and convalescence period of up to 12 months.