One-stage treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis with bone morphogenetic protein 2 and local antibiotic delivery in a cat

An age-unknown, 4.8 kg, male, wild, domestic short-hair cat was presented for left hindlimb lameness. A physical examination revealed a draining tract which was suspected of bite on left calcaneal bone. The left tarsal joint was markedly swollen and exudates were observed around the draining tract. Sequestrum at left calcaneus bone, and osteolysis were identified by radiography. The sequestrum and its surrounding exudative tissue were debrided during surgery and the tissue was submitted for bacterial culture and sensitivity test. The debridement caused a bone defect (1.5 cm × 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm) on the medial left calcaneal bone. Plate and screw fixation was performed to the calcaneus bone as buttress plate. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) loaded hydroxyapatite was implanted in the bone defect. Furthermore, Amikacin-impregnated collagen sponges were also placed around bone plate to deliver local antibiotics. A systemic antibiotic treatment regimen based on bacterial culture and sensitivity test results was administered for 4 weeks. The wound properly healed without any signs of infection, and the bone healing was confirmed by radiography. The patient showed normal weight bearing ambulation at 18 weeks after surgery. The use of rhBMP-2 and local antibiotic delivery system is a good surgical option for the one-stage treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.