Osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral head of a Pekingese

An 8-month-old male Pekingese was admitted with a 1-month history of right hindlimb lameness and crepitation in the right coxofemoral joint. There was radiographic evidence of a focus of subchondral osteolysis of the right femoral head. The tentative diagnosis was avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The problem was corrected by femoral head ostectomy. Gross and microscopic examination of the femoral head resulted in a diagnosis of osteochondritis dissecans. Osteochondritis dissecans is an uncommon diagnosis both in small breeds of dogs and in the coxofemoral joint.     

Osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral head: a case report

The clinical history, radiographic findings, surgery and short term outcome of a case of osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral head is described.     

Osteosarcoma of the humeral head associated with osteochondritis dissecans in a dog

A 6-year-old, male Labrador retriever was presented for lameness of the right forelimb. The lameness occurred 5 years after the dog was surgically treated for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the caudal right humeral head. Radiographs revealed an expansile, osteolytic lesion occupying the entire caudal half of the right humeral head, and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Forelimb amputation was performed. Histopathology of the lesion and associated articular cartilage revealed neoplastic osteoblasts extensively infiltrating the marrow space adjacent to scar tissue associated with the previous OCD lesion. This is the first report of an epiphyseal osteosarcoma in the area of a previous OCD lesion in a dog.     

Osteochondritis dissecans of the canine stifle joint

In fourteen dogs with osteochondritis dissecans of the stifle joint the lesion was found in the articular cartilage of the medial condyle of the femur in six and the lateral condyle in eight. Both stifle joints were affected in eight dogs and in two of these, both Wolfhounds, the shoulder joints were also affected. Ten dogs were treated surgically and three by conservative means. The results of treatment are discussed.     

The surgical treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral head in dogs

The authors record their experiences of the surgical treatment of twenty-one unilateral and thirteen bilateral cases of osteochondritis dissecans of the humerus of the dog. The operative technique and the clinical pathology of the condition are described. In nearly all cases there was complete restoration of limb function within 3 months of surgery; this is a much better result than that obtained in a previous series treated conservatively. Nineteen of the affected dogs had signs of hip dysplasia.
Résumé. Les auteurs rapportent leurs expériences concernant le traitemerit chirurgical de 21 cas unilatéraux et de 13 cas bilatéraux d'ostéochondrite dissécante de l'humérus du chien. On décrit les techniques opératoires et les données de l'examen clinique. Dans presque tous les cas, on a obtenu une restauration presque complète de la fonction du membre dans les 3 mois qui ont suivi l'opération, ce qui représente un résultat nettement supérieur à celui obtenu dans des séries précédentes traitées par un mode conservateur. Dix-neuf des chiens atteints ont présenté des signes de dysplasie de la hanche.
Zusammenfassung. Die Autoren geben ihre Erfahrungen mit der chirurgischen Behandlung von 21 einseitigen und 13 beidseitigen Fällen von Osteochondritis dissecans des Humerus des Hundes bekannt. Die Operationstechnik und die klinische Pathologie des Zustands werden beschrieben. In fast allen Fällen wurde die vollständige Wiederherstellung der Extremitätenfunktion innerhalb von drei Monaten nach dem chirurgischen Eingriff erreicht; dies ist ein viel besseres Ergebnis, als mit einer früheren Reihe von Fällen durch konservative Behandlung erzielt wurde. Neunzehn der erkrankten Hunde wiesen Anzeichen von Hüftdysplasie auf.     

Osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral ridge of the talus in a dog

Osteochondral fragments, which originated from the proximolateral ridge of the talus, were discovered in an 8-month-old Rottweiler. A large fragment was reattached, using a lag screw and wire. Microscopic examination of a small fragment suggested the lesion resulted from osteochondritis dissecans. Stabilization of the major fragment resulted in acceptable joint function.     

Biochemical characterization of cartilage affected by osteochondritis dissecans in the humeral head of dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration and immunohistochemical staining characteristics of type-I, -II, and -X collagen from cartilage affected by osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in dogs. ANIMALS: 31 dogs with OCD and 11 clinically normal purpose-bred dogs. PROCEDURE: Cartilage samples were evaluated microscopically, and GAG content was determined. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for type-I, -II, and -X collagen. Sections were subjectively evaluated for location and intensity of staining. RESULTS: Cartilage affected by OCD had a variety of pathologic changes and significantly lower GAG concentrations than did normal cartilage. Normal cartilage had no detectable type-I collagen. For dogs < 9 months of age, cartilage affected by OCD had significantly more type-I collagen but significantly less type-X collagen than did control cartilage. For dogs > 12 months of age, cartilage affected by OCD contained significantly more type-I collagen than did control cartilage. There was a significant negative correlation between immunoreactivity of type-I collagen and that of type-II and -X collagen. A significant positive correlation was found between immunoreactivity of type-II and -X collagen. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cartilage affected by OCD contains less GAG, more type-I collagen, and less type-X collagen, compared with normal cartilage. A direct correlation between these changes and the etiopathogenesis of OCD was not established.     

Osteochondritis dissecans on the lateral femoral trochlear ridge in a dog

A case of osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral femoral trochlear ridge in a young dog is presented. The localisation is rare and diagnosis and treatment are discussed.     

Osteochondritis dissecans of the tibial tarsal bone in dogs

The clinical histories of nineteen cases of osteochondritis dissecans of the medial ridge of the tibial tarsal bone are described. The clinical signs were lameness and a reduced range of joint flexion. Radiography demonstrated changes over the medial ridge of the tibial tarsal bone. Untreated cases remained lame and the rapid development of degenerative joint changes was noted. Cases treated promptly by arthrotomy, removal of the detached flap of cartilage and curettage made a quick and permanent recovery. Access to the lesion was gained by a postero-medial approach.     

Osteochondritis dissecans of the medial trochlear ridge of the talus in a calf

Osteochondritis dissecans of the proximal aspect of the medial trochlear ridge of the talus was found to be causing lameness and tarsocrural joint effusion in a male Limousin calf. Arthroscopy via a dorsolateral approach was unsuccessful in revealing the lesion in this calf. A caudomedial arthrotomy or medial malleolar osteotomy, which can be used to gain access to lesions of the medial trochlear ridge in dogs, was not attempted. The lameness gradually worsened, and the calf was slaughtered.     

Osteochondral autograft transfer for treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the caudocentral humeral head in dogs

Objective: To establish whether osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT) procedures for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the canine caudocentral humeral head would restore articular contour, resurface osteochondral defects, and resolve lameness in dogs with OCD. Study Design: Case series. Animals: Dogs (n=14) with caudocentral humeral head OCD (16 shoulders). Methods: After arthroscopic assessment, the humeral head was exposed by arthrotomy. The OCD lesion was debrided and OATS^? instrumentation used for resurfacing the defect with osteochondral core grafts collected from the stifle. Recipient sockets were created to maximally resurface articular lesions. Outcomes measures included clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic examination at 12–18 weeks and clinical examination at 12–46 months (mean, 30.8 months) postoperatively. Results: Resurfacing of the humeral head was achieved in all dogs. Subjectively, lameness resolved in 9 of 16 limbs by 5–6 weeks postoperatively, and in 13 limbs by 12–18 weeks. Radiographically, all autografts were maintained. On second‐look arthroscopy, the grafted section was intact, resilient on probing, satisfactorily conformed to the adjacent articular contour, and grossly appeared consistent with hyaline or fibrocartilage depending on the graft source. Of 12 limbs available for 12–46 months reevaluation, none were considered lame and mild discomfort on shoulder manipulation was recorded for only 1 joint. Conclusions: OAT procedures are technically feasible in the caudocentral aspect of the canine humeral head. Articular contour reconstruction, resurfacing of osteochondral defects, and amelioration or resolution of short‐term lameness may be achieved.     

Osteochondritis dissecans in the dog: diagnosis and therapy.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a manifestation of osteochondrosis. It is thought to be a metabolic disease of cartilage maturation and endochondral ossification. Therefore, any disturbance affecting the differentiation of growth cartilage constitutes osteochondrosis. When this disturbance affects the articular cartilage so that a piece detaches, it is called OCD. Osteochondritis dissecans is well recognized but poorly understood. The etiology remains controversial. Osteochondritis dissecans is most commonly recognized in the shoulder but can occur in other areas which makes it difficult to differentiate from other disease entities. Diagnosis of OCD is based on signalment (age, breed, and sex), history, and physical and radiographic evidence. Therapy must be individualized and based on the patient's clinical signs and not on the severity of the radiographic lesion. Therapy can be effective only when applied correctly.     

Osteochondritis dissecans of the tibio–tarsal joint in the dog

In five dogs with osteochondritis dissecans in the hock joint the primary lesions were on the medial ridges of the trochlea of the tibial tarsal bones. Clinical and radiographic findings, and surgical techniques are described. Possible aetiological factors, and the results of treatment are discussed.     

Bilateral stifle osteochondritis dissecans in a cat

A 9-month-old, castrated male, domestic shorthaired cat was presented for progressive right hind-limb lameness. A diagnosis of osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral femoral condyle was made based on radiographs and physical examination, and was confirmed by right lateral stifle arthrotomy. The cartilage flap was removed, and the underlying bone was curetted. Seven months later, the cat was sound on the right leg but developed a left hind-limb lameness. A similar lesion was found in the left leg and was treated identically. Fourteen months after presentation, the cat was sound on both hind limbs.     

Osteochondritis dissecans in the tibio-tarsal joint. Results by surgical treatment

Osteochondrosis is a rapidly growing problem in the horse population and reports are frequent. Osteochondritis dissecans can in most cases be treated surgically, but reports on results are lacking. This paper reports the results of surgery of the tibiotarsal joint in 43 cases.