A Comparison of Two Surgical Approaches to the Equine Femoropatellar Joint for the Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans

The femoropatellar joints of four mature, clinically normal horses were surgically entered by a craniolateral or a lateral approach. Visualization of intra-articular structures was documented for each approach. Horses were euthanized 21, 42, and 63 days after surgery. Joint healing was evaluated clinically, and the joints were subjected to gross pathological and histopathological examination. Healing was by first intention following arthrotomy in six limbs. Skin dehiscence occurred in two limbs with healing by second intention. Subcutaneous seromas developed which resulted in peri-incisional swelling in seven limbs. The lateral approach to the femoropatellar joint provided greater exposure of the lateral femoral trochlear ridge and articular surface of the patella.
Surgery was performed on nine joints of seven clinical patients with osteochondritis dissecans. The craniolateral approach was used on four joints, and the lateral approach was used on five joints. Skin dehiscence occurred following four arthrotomies. Location of the lesion was concluded to be the main criterion for selection of the surgical approach.