Concurrent or sequential development of medial meniscal and subchondral cystic lesions within the medial femorotibial joint in horses (1996–2006) |
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Authors: | S. M. HENDRIX G. M. BAXTER C. W. Mc ILWRAITH D. A. HENDRICKSON L. R. GOODRICH D. D. FRISBIE G. W. TROTTER |
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Affiliation: | 1. James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523;2. Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523;3. Equine Medical Center, Cypress, California 90630;4. and;5. Private Practice, Millsap, Texas 76066, USA. |
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Abstract: | Reasons for performing study: Medial meniscal injuries and subchondral cystic lesions (SCL) are known to occur independently within the medial femorotibial (MFT) joint in horses. However, there are no reports of a potential clinical relationship between these 2 types of lesions. Objectives: To: 1) document the concurrent presence or sequential development of medial meniscal and SCL of the medial femoral condyle within the MFT joint; and 2) determine the prognosis with both types of lesions. Methods: Retrospective case series of horses with both a medial meniscal and SCL of the medial femoral condyle identified concurrently or sequentially by radiography, arthroscopy or post mortem examination. Case records and radiographs were reviewed, and a telephone survey of referring veterinarians, owners and trainers was conducted. Results: Twenty‐one horses (9.1% of all horses undergoing MFT joint arthroscopy) were identified to have both a medial meniscal injury and SCL of the medial femoral condyle. Thirteen horses had both abnormalities identified concurrently, 6 developed a meniscal lesion subsequent to SCL debridement, and 2 developed a SCL subsequent to a medial meniscal injury. Only 4/19 horses were classified as successful and returned to their intended use. The severity of the meniscal injury was significantly associated with the severity of lameness but not with outcome. Conclusions: A low percentage of horses may develop both a meniscal injury and SCL of the medial femoral condyle within the MFT joint and have a poor prognosis. Potential relevance: Trauma to the MFT joint may lead to both meniscal and subchondral bone damage of the medial femoral condyle that may be recognised concurrently or sequentially. |
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Keywords: | horse stifle subchondral cystic lesion arthroscopy meniscus |
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