TREATMENT OF DELAYED UNION AND SEPTIC OSTEOMYELITIS OF METACARPUS IIIIV IN A CALF USING GENTAMICIN-IMPREGNATED COLLAGEN SPONGES AND MINIMAL EXTERNAL COAPTATION/

A newborn calf was admitted for evaluation of a primarily closed commi nuted metaphyseal fracture of metacarpus III/IV. Closed reduction and application of transfixation pins and a fibreglass cast were performed . Ten days after pin removal. radiographs revealed that the initially healed fracture had collapsed, and osteomyelitis was diagnosed. Bacter iological culture fi om the deep draining tract yielded Actinomyces py ogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Standard treatment of delayed union or nonunion caused by septic osteomyelitis consists of surgical debrid ement, rigid fixation, and long-time administration of antibiotics. In this case, we used surgical debridement, administration of a new long -acting local antibiotic (gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges). an d minimal external stabilization. At day 27 after initiation of this t reatment. the skin defect had healed, and the fracture was stable on m anual palpation.