Osteolytic Lesion of the First Metatarsal After Catfish Spine Injury: A Case Report.

Case: A 17-year-old adolescent boy complained of plantar pain at the first metatarsal 2 months after a catfish spine injury. Imaging was consistent with a retained foreign body, and surrounding osteolysis was concerning for osteomyelitis. He underwent surgical debridement and was found to have inflammation and necrosis, apparently caused by catfish spine venom.

Conclusion: Although osteolytic lesions are commonly attributed to infection or tumor, in the situation of venomous injuries, osteolysis can be a sequela of the severe local inflammatory reaction due to the toxins. Debridement is vital to remove the offending agent and the local toxins from the venom.