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

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.

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.