Experimental bovine osteomyelitis: An arteriographic study

Arteriography, following osteomyelitis induced by intramedullary infusion of inoculum of haemo lytic strain of Staphylococcus aureus alongwith sterilized saw dust as sclerosing agent in the distal metaphysis of the metatarsus, was performed in 8 calves Animals were maintained for varying periods upto 18 post-infection weeks and arteriography was performed at 6th, 12th and 18th weeks. Arteriograms obtained at 6 and 12 weeks demonstrated enhanced vascularity of the osteomyelitic metatarsal region This was characterised by dilatation and tortuous course of major vessels, and medullary arteries and sprouting of fine arterial network The increased vascularity was, however, relatively more intense in the distal half of the infected bone At later stage, enhanced vascularity persisted where plain radiographs showed intense periosteal reaction and active bone formation However, poor vascular supply was observed, in cases where plain radiographs demonstrated marked destructive bony changes.