Maternal allogeneic cancellous bone graft for the treatment of osteitis along the physeal scar of the proximal metatarsus in a foal

Objective: To describe the treatment and outcome of a foal with a fresh allogenic cancellous bone graft after surgical debridement of a traumatic septic osteitis.

Animal: A neonatal Quarter Horse foal.

Study design: Case report.

Methods: The foal sustained a traumatic laceration exposing the proximalthird metatarsal bone. One week after surgical debridement and closure, radio-graphic signs of septic osteitis were noted along the physeal scar. The lesion was debrided, and antimicrobial therapy was implemented. The infectionresolved but left a large defect in the metaphysis and epiphysis. Grafting was indicated to avoid pathologic fractures of the plantar and proximal cortices. Due to a discrepancy between defect size and the bone stock of the foal, an allogeneic cancellous bone graft was harvested from the dam's tuber coxae and used to fill the foal's defect. 

Results: No adverse reactions to the graft were noted. After 1 month, the woundhad healed. Radiographic examination was consistent with graft incorporation in the bone structure. The foal was sound at a walk and trot when examined at 6, 12, and 21 months. The bone's contour was even and its structure homogeneously radiodense. The surgical site of the mare healed without complications.

Conclusion: Fresh allogenic cancellous bone grafting resulted in the healingof a large traumatic-septic bone defect in a foal, with an excellent functionaland cosmetic outcome. For future use, compatibility testing should be considered prior to allogeneic bone grafting.