Arthroscopic findings in horses with subtle radiographic evidence of osteochondral lesions of the medial femoral condyle: 15 cases (1995–2002)

Abstract

Results suggest that horses with hind limb lameness and subtle radiographic lesions of the medial femoral condyle are likely to have arthroscopically apparent cartilage lesions and subchondral bone defects.

Ultrasonographic Findings in the Stifle Joint of Active Jumping and Dressage Horses

“…As expected, no lesions were seen in the menisci confirming the findings of previous studies regarding the high clinical relevance of any abnormality detected in the meniscus [17,20].…”

“…Subchondral bone cysts are most common in the medial femoral condyle, at the point of load bearing in the joint, but have also been described in the lateral femoral condyle [16]. Ultrasonography is superior to radiography for diagnosis of small subchondral cysts 16 and these lesions can be clinically silent [17,18]. While the presence of subchondral cyst-like lesions are most commonly described in Thoroughbreds, they can seen in many different breeds [19].…”

Characterization of experimentally induced post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the medial femorotibial joint of horses

“…More severe erosions were present for horses in the long-term cohort, compared with the short-term cohort, suggesting that the osteoarthritis was progressive; however, the widespread loss of the superficial cartilage layer for horses in the short-term cohort indicates that these joint surfaces are likely to degenerate further, with little chance for recovery. 49,50 By the time stifle joint osteoarthritis creates detectable clinical signs, relatively advanced cartilage lesions are found that are likely to progress quickly, leading to a guarded prognosis in affected horses. 69 Damage to the articular cartilage of the weightbearing surface of the MFC has been described in horses and is believed to be the cumulative effect of repeated trauma.…”

“…44 The pathogenesis of subchondral cystic lesions in the MFC of horses may be related to the creation of osteochondral defects of an appropriate size and shape. [48][49][50] Although osteochondrosis may cause this damage in young horses, 49 the cumulative effect of repeated trauma is more likely the cause in mature animals. 44,47 However, the nature and magnitude of the insult and whether it is a single event or requires repeated injury remain unknown.…”

“…45,46 In adult horses, these defects more likely result from mechanical trauma than from persistent developmental defects. 49,50 Several species 51,52,a have been used to investigate the role of articular contusion as an initiating factor in PTOA. Osteoarthritis of the stifle joint may also occur secondary to articular cartilage damage without the development of a subchondral cystic lesion.…”