Pancarpal Arthrodesis Using Antibiotic–Impregnated Calcium Sulfate Beads in a Dog with Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis

Abstract

A 6-year-old Lurcher dog was referred for evaluation and treatment of a septic carpal arthritis, associated osteomyelitis of the radius and radial carpal bone and antebrachiocarpal luxation following a previous articular surgery 14 weeks prior to presentation. A staged approached was elected and following removal of the original implants, a pancarpal arthrodesis was performed using autologous bone graft and gentamicin-impregnated bioabsorbable calcium sulfate beads. At 12 weeks postoperatively, lameness had resolved on the operated limb and complete joint fusion was confirmed on radiographic evaluation. The purpose of this case report is to describe the successful short- and long-term outcome of a pancarpal arthrodesis using antibiotic medication–impregnated calcium sulfate beads, providing details about the surgical technique used for management of a destructive septic arthritis and osteomyelitis.